Lemon balm, known by its Latin name as Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb related to mint, with a distinct lemony flavor. The herb grows enthusiastically, forming clumps in gardens in hardiness zones 4 through 9. Lemon balm is used for culinary and medicinal purposes, including as a remedy for anxiety. Some of its purported medicinal effects have been supported by scientific research.
Daily Stresses
Lemon balm is included in a list of anti-anxiety herbs, along with skullcap, hops and valerian root, in a study published in the November 2009 issue of the journal "Medical Science Monitor." These herbal supplements promote activity of the calming neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA. Other herbs mentioned in the study and sometimes combined with lemon balm, such as kava, passion flower and magnolia, may also offer anti-anxiety effects in addition to other effects, including reducing muscular tension and promoting better mood and improved quality of sleep. The authors note that studies on animals and humans support the use of lemon balm and similar herbs in the management of daily stress and anxiety.
Combination with Valerian
Lemon balm combined with valerian root showed anti-anxiety effects in a study published in the February 2006 issue of the journal "Phytotherapy Research." In the study, participants took 600 mg, 1,200 mg or 1,800 mg of a commercial product and mood and anxiety were evaluated before taking the supplement and one hour, three hours and six hours after taking a 20 minute stress-simulating test. The 600 mg dose alleviated anxiety, however the 1,800 mg dose resulted in a slight increase in anxiety, in the study. The researchers concluded that the anti-anxiety effects of lemon balm and valerian deserve further study.
Mood and Calmness
The journal "Psychosomatic Medicine" reported in its July-August 2004 issue on a study that showed lemon balm improved mood and calmness. Participants took 300 mg and 600 mg doses of lemon balm on two separate days. Results of a test called the Defined Intensity Stressor Simulation showed that the 600 mg dose of lemon balm reduced negative mood that resulted from the stress test and the study volunteers reported significant improvement in calmness and alertness. Also, mental processing speed and accuracy increased with the 300 mg dose.
Alzheimer's
Lemon balm may be useful for improving mood in Alzheimer's patients, according to a study published in the October 2003 issue of the journal "Neuropsychopharmacology." Participants, all healthy and young, took doses of 600 mg, 1,000 mg and 1,600 mg of lemon balm derived from dried leaves at seven-day intervals. Improved memory and calmness occurred at the highest dose at one, three and six hours after taking the supplement. The researchers concluded that the results of their study indicate that higher doses of lemon balm are more effective at improving cognitive performance and mood and suggest that lemon balm may benefit Alzheimer's disease.
References
- "Medical Science Monitor"; Formulations of dietary supplements and herbal extracts for relaxation and anxiolytic action: Relarian; Weeks BS; et al.; 2009
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Anxiolytic effects of a combination of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis during laboratory induced stress; Kennedy DO, et al.; 2006
- "Psychosomatic Medicine"; Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm); Kennedy DO, ; et al.; 2004
- "Neuropsychopharmacology"; Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties; Kennedy DO, ; et al.; 2004
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