Benefits of Lemon Balm + Side Effects

Lemon balm may help with anxiety and cognitive performance. In addition, it has other potential but insufficiently investigated health benefits, including helping with hyperthyroidism, reducing pain , and weight loss . Read this post to learn more about the potential health benefits of lemon balm. What Is Lemon Balm? Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis ) is a lemon-scented herb known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects. The main active constituents of lemon balm are [ 1 ]: Volatile compounds – geranial, neral, citronellal, and geraniol Increases GABA in the brain by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down GABA (GABA transaminase). GABA produces a calming effect, improves mood , and reduces stress [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Binds to nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in the brain. Both types of receptors are activated by acetylcholine and play roles in enhancing memory and alertness [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Prevents the formation of blood vessels by inhibiting VEGF -A, which may combat obesity and help treat cancer [ 8 , 9 ]. Activates the proteins caspases-3 and-7, possibly causing cancer cells to self-destruct [ 10 , 11 ]. Lemon balm supplements are claimed to help with several conditions, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, diabetes, and infant colics. However, none of these uses is approved by the FDA due to the lack of solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. You may try lemon balm if you and your doctor determine that it may help in your case. Lemon balm has anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects in rats. By increasing GABA levels, lemon balm reduces anxiety, increases calmness, and improves mood [ 3 ]. Lemon balm reduced anxiety in 2 pilot trials on 32 people with stress [ 4 , 14 […]

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