Does lemon balm affect the heart?
In traditional Iranian medicine, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis, Lamiaceae) leaf extract is used as a heart tonic and to help ease tension, restlessness, and irritability. Lemon balm can be taken as a tea (6 – 12g of the dry herb daily). However, if you are experiencing high levels of anxiety it is recommended to take a therapeutic dosage in the form of tincture (liquid extract) or capsules containing 500 mg dry extract daily.Lemon balm is often consumed as a tea, where its mild diuretic properties help reduce bloating and water retention.Research published in the Journal of Nutrition found that lemon balm helped to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels when consumed regularly (9). The plant may also help to lower blood pressure levels and blood sugar levels to further protect the heart.Lemon balm was used in traditional medicine for nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, and menstrual irregularities. Lemon balm extracts are generally recognized as safe and have not been linked to serum aminotransferase elevations during treatment or to instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.The effects of Lemon Balm can be felt within 30 minutes to an hour when taken in tea or tincture form. For long-term cognitive and stress benefits, regular use over a few weeks is recommended.
What is the best way to consume lemon balm?
Oral: Lemon balm can be taken as an herbal tea (dried, broken-up herb infused in boiling water), as powdered dried herb, as a tincture, as a liquid extract of the dry herb, or as a dried liquid extract. Topical: A cream or ointment formulated with liquid or dried extract can be applied directly to the skin. Lemon balm. Some small research studies show that lemon balm can lessen certain symptoms of anxiety, such as worry and excitability.Additionally, caution is advised for people with glaucoma, people with thyroid conditions, or people who are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) because lemon balm could potentially affect intraocular pressure, thyroid hormone levels, or medication effectiveness.Lemon balm is a powerhouse herb that may promote brain, heart, digestion, mood, menstrual, immune, and sleep health. But more studies are needed to confirm these benefits. This herb is safe for most people and unlikely to cause side effects.The authors conclude that 2 weeks of treatment with lemon balm safely and significantly decreased frequency of episodes and anxiety in patients with benign heart palpitations likely caused by psychological factors.A lab study suggests that taking lemon balm extract can increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that has a calming effect. The brain function study also found that participants who drank the lemon balm extract reported higher levels of feeling calm and at ease.
What medications should not be taken with lemon balm?
Lemon balm may potentially interact with the following medications: Sedatives and thyroid medications: Lemon balm may interact with sedatives and thyroid medications. If you are taking sedatives (for insomnia or anxiety) or medications to regulate your thyroid, ask your doctor before taking lemon balm. Drinking lemon balm tea may be beneficial for heart health by reducing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition found that lemon balm helped to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels when consumed regularly (9).Negative effects such as skin redness, bloating, rashes, nausea, allergies may occur due to intense consumption. People with chronic diseases, regular medication users, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not consume lemon balm tea, they should definitely consult a specialist physician.Key takeaways. While some studies suggest lemon balm may impact fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity, there’s no conclusive evidence that it directly helps with weight loss in humans. Lemon balm has been linked to stress reduction, improved sleep quality, PMS symptom relief, and digestive health support.It does not directly burn fat or significantly boost basal metabolic rate. Instead, any weight management benefits derived from lemon balm are primarily secondary effects of its impact on stress reduction, sleep quality, and digestive comfort.Lemon balm essential oil may decrease blood pressure while protecting against heart palpitations, tachycardia, and heart attacks.
Who cannot have lemon balm?
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. However, no side effects have been reported regarding drinking one cup of lemon water every day. You may experience a boost in your immune system due to the vitamin C, and may feel more energetic, because of better hydration.Recent studies suggest that lemon contains a compound called naringenin, which reduces liver inflammation associated with fatty liver disease. Drinking fresh lemon water 2–3 times a day for a month or adding thinly sliced lemon to a water bottle for daily consumption can improve fatty liver.
Is lemon balm ok to take daily?
With lemon balm tea, one or two cups per day is likely safe. As with any herb, don’t take more than directed on the package,” Dr. Daw instructs. And talk to your physician before taking herbs if you have any health conditions or take medications. Lemon balm is a powerhouse herb that may promote brain, heart, digestion, mood, menstrual, immune, and sleep health. But more studies are needed to confirm these benefits.Drinking lemon balm tea before meals can help promote a sense of calm and may reduce appetite. Taking it in the evening can also support relaxation and better sleep, which are important for healthy weight management.
What are the risks of lemon balm?
When lemon balm is inhaled or swallowed, common side effects may include drowsiness. Applying it to your skin may cause redness, irritation, or burning. Before using lemon balm, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking. When taken by mouth: lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.There are no clinical reports of drug interactions with lemon balm, but theoretical interactions include increased sedation with sedatives and reduced effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and thyroid hormone replacement.