Lemon balm as a sleep aid

Lemon Balm as a Sleep aid

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family native to areas of the Mediterranean and western Asia. Going back to at least the Middle Ages, it has been used to treat stress, insomnia and intestinal discomfort. For ages it was mixed with wine to improve one’s mood. Lemon balm, as a sleep aid

Stress is one of the leading causes of insomnia, which makes lemon balm an excellent natural sleep aid.

Lemon balm as a sleep aid for night terrors in Children

Dyssomnia consists of many different sleep disorders. Those with dyssomnia may have difficulty falling asleep, may wake up during the night, may have night terrors, or may walk in their sleep. Even though these sleep disturbances may be temporary.

Up to thirty percent of children suffer from them. Another condition that affects many children is motor restlessness, in which children are unable to sit still and concentrate, especially in situations demanding discipline and attention.

Some situations of general motor restlessness may be temporary, but it can also be a personality characteristic that continues beyond childhood.

Clinical trials that have occurred in the past have shown that the combination of Valerian and lemon balm herb can improve sleep quality and mood in those who have sleep disorders. Both of these herbs have been approved by the Commission E of the German government to be taken for sleep disorders.

Lemon balm relaxes the body by reducing symptoms of nerviousness, anxiety and even panic. Heart palpitations of a nervous origin may even be helped. In modern treatments it is often combined with other relaxing herbs such as hops, valerian, or chamomile to magnify the calming effect.

Lemon balm helps curb bloating and indigestion

Anxiety often contributes to nausea, acidity, and even gas pains.

Lemon balm relaxes nerves and tension helping reduce stress related digestion problems.

Lemon balm, as an antiviral

The tannins found in lemon balm serve as an effective antiviral. Most commonly, cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus are treated with a topical ointment. One study found lemon balm ointment to reduce the healing time of cold sores by half to 5 days and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. This is comparable in effect to prescription acyclovir, but without the possible harmful side effects.

Other medicinal uses of lemon balm

Lemon balm has been used to reduce fevers and lessen muscle aches and pains,

The ointment made with it also makes a first-aid remedy for minor cuts and insect stings.

Some studies show lemon balm inhibits thyroid function which would be useful in treating hyperthyroidism. Another study even suggests lemon balm may have a role in treating HIV.

How to take Lemon Balm

Lemon balm leaves are available dried as well as in capsules, extracts, tinctures, ointments and essential oils. While lemon balm can be easily home-grown in temperate climates, most consumers will find obtaining the needed remedy over the counter more convenient.

Cautions

Lemon balm is considered very safe with no side effects or toxicity reported from use. While lemon balm has been reported to inhibit thyroid function, Please consult with a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine before using lemon balm to treat thyroid problems, and with your doctor if taking a medicine such as thyroxine.

Clinical note

Long before the current biologically based theory of cholinergic abnormalities in

Alzheimer’s dementia emerged, western European medicine systems have traditionally

used several herbs that are now known to exert cholinergic activity (such as sage

Lemon balm is not recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers

Related Pages

Historical Note

Lemon balm was used in ancient Greece and Rome as a

topical treatment for wounds. In the Middle Ages it was used internally as sedative and by the 17th century, English herbalist Culpeper claimed it could improve mood and stimulate clear thinking. Nowadays, it is still used to induce a sense of calm and help with anxiety, but is also added to cosmetics, insect repellants, furniture polish and food.

COMMON NAME

Lemon balm

OTHER NAMES

Balm mint, bee balm, blue balm, common balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, garden balm,

sweet balm

BOTANICAL NAME/FAMILY

Melissa officinalis (family Labiatae)

PLANT PART USED

Aerial parts

CHEMICAL COMPONENTS

Flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, triterpenes, essential oil and sesquiterpenes. Of

note, the herb contains citronellal, caffeic acid, eugenol, rosmarinic acid and choline

(Wake et al 2000). Growing and harvesting methods have a major influence on the

amount of volatile oil present in the leaves. It has been found that the oil content in

the herb is highest in the top third and lowest in the bottom two-thirds

MAIN ACTIONS

Plant Part: Leaf

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