Certain herbs are paired together to enhance their effectiveness as a natural remedy. Valerian and lemon balm are both soothing herbs that have been used for centuries for treating insomnia and anxiety, says the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). A couple of small trials using a combination of valerian and lemon balm together indicates that this herbal duo may indeed promote more restful sleep, states the University of Michigan Health System.
Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Properties Of Valerian
Valerian has been used for medicinal purposes since the time of ancient Greece and Rome, states that National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Greek doctor and philosopher Galen, who followed in the footsteps of Hippocrates, promoted valerian for insomnia in the 2nd century A.D. Native to Europe and Asia, valerian is cultivated in North America. According to the University of Michigan Health System, valerian appears to be most effective on people who have difficulty falling and staying asleep at night.
More About Lemon Balm
Native to Southern Europe and cultivated all over the world, lemon balm is an attractive, highly odiferous herb that's a member of the mint family. According to the University of Michigan Health System, Charlemagne was so taken with its beauty, he insisted that it be planted in the garden of every monastery. The UMMC indicates that lemon balm was used to treat insomnia, anxiety and stress in the Middle Ages. In the 21st century, lemon balm continues to be used primarily for these purposes.
Study Results
A 1992 study published in the German journal "Therapiewoche" suggests that valerian and lemon balm, when used together, may have promise. The University of Michigan Health System states that the study revealed this herbal combo was similar to the prescription drug triazolam (Halcion) when measuring participants' ability to fall asleep and their quality of sleep. The University of Michigan goes on to note that results of another two-week trial published in "Psychopharmakotherapie" in 1996 indicates that valerian and lemon balm improved quality of participants' sleep. According to the UMMC, there are few studies conducted on lemon balm alone for insomnia or anxiety.
Side Effects
Herbs such as valerian and lemon balm may cause some side effects in humans. According to NCCAM, valerian may cause headache, stomach upset, dizziness and fatigue the morning after you use it. Lemon balm isn't associated with these side effects, but the UMMC indicates that it may interact with sedatives and medications used to regulate the thyroid. Valerian may also enhance the effects of sedative drugs, cautions the UMMC, and may interact with antihistamines, cholesterol medications (statins) and antifungal medications.
Bottom Line
NCCAM describes valerian as one of the most popular complementary and alternative therapies used by people with insomnia. Moreover, NCCAM states that what we know about valerian is that it can improve the quality of sleep and help you get to sleep faster. Combinations of herbs, such as valerian and lemon balm, still need more rigorous study to determine if they're more effective than use of valerian on its own, however. Talk to your doctor before using valerian or lemon balm as a treatment for insomnia.
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