Does lemon balm help you fall asleep? (2023)

FAQs

Does lemon balm help you fall asleep? ›

Several studies show that lemon balm combined with other calming herbs (such as valerian, hops, and chamomile) helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep.

Like L-theanine, lemon balm facilitates sleep by encouraging relaxation and decreasing stress and anxiety. You can steep dried lemon balm in hot water and drink it as tea. To aid sleep, aim for ¼ - 1 tsp. of lemon balm up to 4 times daily.

Historically, lemon balm has been used as an antiviral and antibacterial medicine to treat infections and viruses. It also shows potential in helping restless sleepers. View Source at night. Drinking a cup of lemon balm tea at night may reduce symptoms associated with insomnia.

You won't have to wait long to start feeling the soothing effects of lemon balm. Its anxiety-reducing influence may be noticeable within as little as 1 hour. The anti-anxiety effects of lemon balm could last about 4 to 8 hours.

For difficulty sleeping, or to reduce indigestion, flatulence, or bloating, consult a knowledgeable provider for the specific dose to best fit your needs. Possible doses may be as follows: Capsules: Take 300 to 500 mg dried lemon balm, 3 times daily or as needed. Tea: 1.5 to 4.5 grams (1/4 to 1 tsp.)

Magnesium has a beneficial effect on muscle activity, relaxing tension, combined with vitamin B6 and lemon balm has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, especially in fatigue and exhaustion, to speed up regeneration.

While chamomile, lavender, peppermint, and valerian are some of the best herbs for sleep, there are a few other sleep-supporting herbs you may want to add to your medicine cabinet. (However, be aware that studies on how these natural herbs work and their effectiveness are limited).

A general recommendation for uses including relieving anxiety/stress is to take 300 milligrams of lemon balm in capsule form twice daily. Some people take up 600 milligrams twice daily, however starting with a low dose and splitting your dose may be better tolerated.

Researchers believe that an imbalance or reduction of serotonin levels is what increases feelings of depression. In a study conducted on rats, it was found that lemon balm contains serotonergic activity.

Who shouldn t drink lemon balm tea? ›

You should not drink lemon balm tea if you are taking thyroid medications or have a thyroid problem. Lemon balm tea may alter thyroid hormone levels and interfere with thyroid therapies. Always consult with your doctor before using any natural remedies including Melissa tea.

Lemon balm may lower your blood pressure and therefore should be used with caution if you are taking medications with similar properties. It can also lower your blood sugar levels and people with diabetes should use lemon balm with care.

Research suggests these herbs and natural supplements might lower stress, anxiety and/or cortisol levels: Ashwagandha. Rhodiola. Lemon balm.

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between lemon balm and melatonin.

Lemons have been found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and help us feel calmer overall.

CAFFEINE FREE: botanical name: Melissa officinalis, known as lemon balm or balm or balm mint leaves, are naturally caffeine free. Lemon balm is mint family herb that is known and popular for its lemon mint aroma.

Lemon balm inhibits TSH receptor binding, which causes decreased production of T3 and T4 in the thyroid gland. It decreases circulating TSH levels² but increases levels of circulating T3 and T4.

Lemon balm is a hardy perennial herb that grows best when it is not water stressed. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, or the plants will get root rot. Supply water through drip or overhead irrigation and mulch around the plants to conserve soil water.

Magnesium and calcium/multivitamin

Additionally, she says to refrain from taking calcium, magnesium or zinc together as they will “compete for absorption.”

Antibiotics: Taking magnesium supplements may reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, and nitrofurantoin (Macrodandin). Magnesium should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking these medications. Quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics include: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Is lemon balm good for the heart? ›

People use lemon balm in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes that range from digestive health and healing wounds to reducing heart rate.

In the elderly, should prescription medication be necessary, the first-line treatment is nonbenzodiazepines (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and ramelteon) as they have been found to be safer and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Magnesium: Magnesium is an essential mineral that our bodies need to thrive. Many people don't get enough of it from diet alone. Many types of magnesium supplements are available, but magnesium bisglycinate shows the most promise for sleep.

While more studies are needed to determine how lemon balm tea may help individuals, it does appear that the tea is safe for most people to consume. A person should consult their doctor if they have an underlying condition, such as a thyroid issue, before regularly consuming lemon balm tea.

If congestion has already taken hold, a nice herbal steam with hot lemon balm tea and a strong, aromatic essential oil (such as eucalyptus or thyme) will help open the nasal and lung passageway. Herbal steams in general help with stuffy nose, lung congestion, allergies, asthma, cough, and sinus infections.

Lemon balm leaves have low cholesterol or fat content. They are known to have enormous amount of antioxidants. Flavonoids and phytochemicals like phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and terpenes boost the antioxidant power. Along with all these elements, it includes higher level of Thiamin and Vitamin C.

Does lemon balm affect depression? ›

Historically, Lemon balm has been widely used in Asian traditional medicine as a sedative to treat many psychiatric disorders, such as stress, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Lemon balm has shown anti-depressant, anxiolytic, and anti-insomnia effects both in human clinical trials and in animal model studies.

Lemon balm is also a popular natural treatment for several common skin conditions. As an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, it helps to reduce the swelling and reddening of the skin that is common in conditions including acne, shingles, chicken pox, eczema and psoriasis.

Lemon Balm

When the adrenal glands become overstressed, the thyroid suffers. Lemon balm is an excellent herb to help support an overactive thyroid, and can be used in food, teas, tinctures, or capsules.

Lemon balm

Traditionally, lemon balm has been used to relieve mild digestive issues, including bloating and gas ( 13 ).

There are a number of benefits that come with drinking lemon tea at night - reduced stress, better digestion, and an improved quality of sleep are a few of them. Lemon tea soothes the throat, hydrates, and detoxifies your body as well.

Lemon balm, which is scientifically known as Melissa officinalis, has soothing, diuretic, and expectorant properties. Therfore it can be used as a home remedy to relax, relieve fluid retention and reduce mucus production when taken with lemon.

On its own, you might see lemon balm used in TCM as a treatment to cleanse and detoxify the liver, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, and digestive tract. This is due to the natural diuretic effects of lemon balm.

Take deep breaths. Several studies reveal the benefits of deep-breathing exercises for at least five minutes, three to five times a day. Research shows that it helps to lower cortisol levels, ease anxiety and depression, and improve memory. To get started, try using a deep-breathing app like Insight Timer or Calm.

Lemon balm is a natural antihistamine; compounds within the leaf help the body suppress allergic reactions to pollen.

Results showed that lemon balm had significant effects on fasting blood glucose (p = 0.007), HbA1c (p = 0.002), triglycerides (p = 0.04), HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.05), hs-CRP (p = 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.04). No change in total and LDL-cholesterol, insulin and insulin sensitivity have been noted.

Which is better for sleep melatonin or valerian? ›

Melatonin can be helpful for jet lag, helping your brain adjust to the new time zone. Valerian root has been shown to help reduce sleep latency and get you to sleep faster. Both are safe as long as you keep the dosage relatively low but should be avoided when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Supplement interactions: Taking melatonin with other supplements that have sedative properties (including St. John's wort and valerian) may increase the effects and side effects of melatonin.

The smell of the citrus fruit will help to open up your airway and fall asleep more easily. Lemons also provide stress relief. The scent is a natural mood enhancer, and is also helpful for lowering blood pressure. Both of these things will help you to have a more restful, undisturbed sleep.

Matcha and green tea

Both have L-theanine with calming properties. Green tea is often in the form of crushed leaves and is steeped like traditional tea. Matcha is the entire tea leaf ground into a fine powder. It has a rich, buttery flavor when mixed as a drink.

Rub a little under your nose, onto your lips, your temples, or other pulse points. The aroma calms and relaxes, allowing for a peaceful transition into sleep.

It is proposed that lemon balm may work by increasing gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels in the brain. GABA is a mood regulator which works by stopping neurons from becoming overexcited, and low levels of GABA can lead to restlessness and anxiety.

No interactions were found between lemon balm and melatonin. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

The tea has historically been used to treat digestive disorders and to alleviate pain including menstrual cramps and headaches. Lemon balm tea also offers a mild calming effect, making this beverage a good choice for people who suffer from sleep disorders or are looking for a bedtime tea.

Placing fragrance onto your pulse points (wrists, temples and neck) makes it last longer due to the beat of your heart. Rub this calming fragrance on your pulse points, helping to ease your mind and encourage a restful night's sleep.

What is bedtime balm? ›

It helps you take the time to wind down before bedtime. And helps make your pre-sleep routine more relaxing. It also leaves your body feeling silky-smooth and helps soothe dry skin with moisture.

About 30 minutes before bedtime, apply Sleep Balm to bottoms of feet, chest, neck, or arms. (You can really apply it just about anywhere you desire.)

Thyroid disease: Lemon balm may change thyroid function, reduce thyroid hormone levels, and interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Avoid lemon balm if you have thyroid disease.

Lemon balm may lower your blood pressure and therefore should be used with caution if you are taking medications with similar properties. It can also lower your blood sugar levels and people with diabetes should use lemon balm with care.

While more studies are needed to determine how lemon balm tea may help individuals, it does appear that the tea is safe for most people to consume. A person should consult their doctor if they have an underlying condition, such as a thyroid issue, before regularly consuming lemon balm tea.

Lemon balm inhibits TSH receptor binding, which causes decreased production of T3 and T4 in the thyroid gland. It decreases circulating TSH levels² but increases levels of circulating T3 and T4.

Lemon Balm is what's known as a "carminative herb", meaning it can relieve stagnant digestion, ease abdominal cramping, and promote the overall digestive process. The volatile oils in Lemon Balm contain chemicals known as “terpenes” that relax muscles and relieve symptoms such as excess gas.