The ingredients in lemon balm supplements vary.
Some combine lemon balm with other herbs, making it difficult to know which ingredient may deliver beneficial effects.
More research is needed to prove lemon balms specific health benefits.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent a disease.
Lemon balm contains a compound known asrosmarinic acidthat appears to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.Antioxidants help prevent cell damage.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Antimicrobials kill infection-causing organisms like bacteria and viruses.
Research on the potential uses of lemon balm is limited.
Its also important to note that some research used a combination of herbal supplements that included lemon balm.
Therefore, it is not known if lemon balm itself could produce the same results.
Below are some findings from current research on lemon balm.
Anxiety
Lemon balm might help reduce anxiety, according to a small pilot study.
The researchers confirmed the results by repeating the test with yogurt instead of water.
Insomnia
A compound in lemon balm called rosmarinic acid is thought to improve sleep in people withinsomnia.
HSV-1 is associated with cold sores and some cases of herpes.
What Are Side Effects of Lemon Balm?
Consuming a supplement like lemon balm may have side effects.
These side effects could be mild and common or severe.
Severe Side Effects
The long-term use or overuse of lemon balm is not recommended.
Stopping treatment suddenly after long-term use can also cause worsening or returning of symptoms (rebound anxiety).
Serious allergic reactions to lemon balm could be possible but are rare.
Contact a healthcare provider if any side effects occur while youre using lemon balm.
If you are scheduled for surgery, talk to your healthcare provider about when to stop taking lemon balm.
Lemon balm comes in several different formulations, and there are no set doses or standard courses of treatment.
More research is needed on dosages for specific health needs and populations.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Lemon Balm?
Never take more lemon balm than the manufacturer’s recommended dosage on the package.
If you have side effects, stop taking lemon balm and call your healthcare provider.
Lemon balm may make you feel sleepy and calm.
Store lemon balm according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Discard as indicated on the packaging.
Some lemon balm preparations may have traces of lead.
Summary
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb in the mint family.
It’s important to remember that lemon balm cannot replace any treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Remember that supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so be cautious when purchasing any supplement.
Lemon balm can be grown at home in almost any location.
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