Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, has been used for its purported calming properties for centuries. This member of the mint family is native to Europe and is cultivated throughout the world. Scientific research has revealed evidence supporting the traditional use of lemon balm to improve mood and alleviate anxiety and depression for some people. Consult your doctor before using lemon balm to treat depression.
Calmness
Lemon balm relieved symptoms of negative mood in 18 volunteers in a study published in the July 2004 issue of the journal "Psychosomatic Medicine." Participants took 300 mg or 600 mg of lemon balm extract seven days apart, and tests of mood and cognitive function showed that the 600 mg dose alleviated depressed mood. Lemon balm also increased levels of calmness but reduced levels of alertness, as reported by the participants. The 300 mg dose resulted in improved cognitive speed and accuracy in carrying out mathematical tasks. The researchers concluded that lemon balm shows potential as a supplement for the treatment of stress-related mood and cognitive disorders.
Mood
A study published in the July 2003 issue of the journal "Neuropsychopharmacology" found that lemon balm increased cognitive ability and mood in 20 healthy young adults. Doses of 600 mg, 1,000 mg and 1,600 mg per day were given seven days apart. The highest dose produced the most dramatic improvements in mental performance and increased calmness. Conversely, lower doses were associated with increased speed of memory and visual information processing ability. The researchers concluded that lemon balm's ability to improve cognition and mood makes it a potentially useful natural therapy for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Insomnia
Lemon balm has historically been used to treat insomnia, anxiety, depression and nervous stomach, according to Steven Bratman, MD, author of "Collins Alternative Health Guide." Its sedative and calming effects make lemon balm useful for the management of agitation in Alzheimer's disease, a condition associated with anxiety and depression. Lemon balm combined with valerian root may also improve quality of sleep and benefit some people with depression associated with insomnia.
Sedative
According to "The Depression Answer Book," lemon balm offers sedative effects and may improve sleep. Author Wes Burgess, MD, PhD recommends it as safe in moderation. The University of Maryland Medical Center lists improved appetite, reduced stress and anxiety and improved sleep as beneficial effects of lemon balm. Lemon balm can also be combined with other calming herbs such as valerian, chamomile and hops to reduce stress and elevate depressed mood. For adults, lemon balm can be taken in doses of 300 mg to 500 mg three times per day.
References
- "Psychosomatic Medicine"; Attenuation of Laboratory-Induced Stress in Humans After Acute Administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm); D.O. Kennedy et al.; July 2004
- Wilkes University; Medical Attributes of Melissa officinalis -- Lemon Balm; July 2007
- "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; D.O. Kennedy et al.; July 2003
- "The Depression Answer Book: Professional Answers to More Than 275 Critical Questions About Medication, Therapy, Support and More"; Wes Burgess, MD, PhD; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lemon Balm
- "Collins Alternative Health Guide"; Steven Bratman, MD; 2007
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