LEMON BALM
Tried LEMON BALM? Be part of the collective knowledge. Share your experience - your insights help others on their journey.
What Is LEMON BALM?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb in the mint family known for its high content of rosmarinic acid, which increases GABA activity by inhibiting the enzyme GABA transaminase. It is primarily used as a mild sedative and cognitive enhancer, functioning as an anxiolytic and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor to promote relaxation and mental clarity.
LEMON BALM Research & Studies
01 Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in Psychological Well-Being: A Review ▸
A comprehensive review confirming that lemon balm significantly supports psychological health, particularly in reducing anxiety and improving overall well-being.
View Study (PubMed)02 Attenuation of Laboratory-Induced Stress in Humans After Acute Administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) ▸
This study demonstrated that a 600mg dose of lemon balm reduced laboratory-induced stress and improved self-rated calmness and mood.
View Study (Semantic Scholar)03 Modulation of Mood and Cognitive Performance Following Acute Administration of Single Doses of Melissa Officinalis ▸
Research found that standardized extracts can improve cognitive performance and mood, suggesting potential as an adjunct therapy for neurodegenerative conditions.
View Study (PubMed)LEMON BALM User Reviews & Experiences
*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences
The majority of users report success using lemon balm for acute anxiety and racing thoughts, often preferring it over stronger sedatives for its 'subtle' but effective calming nature.
LEMON BALM Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
- Anxiolytic Action: Users frequently report a rapid reduction in 'ruminating thoughts' and physical tension.
- Calm Alertness: Unlike some sedatives, users note it provides a chill sensation without necessarily causing heavy grogginess during the day.
- Sleep Architecture Support: Reports indicate it helps with initial sleep onset and increasing deep sleep phases when combined with magnesium.
- Digestive Comfort: Some users noted a secondary benefit of reduced stomach-related anxiety symptoms and bloating.
- Synergistic Potential: Highly effective when stacked with L-Theanine or Lavender; often cited as more reliable than Valerian root for some.
- Mild for Chronic Issues: While effective for mild anxiety, users with severe insomnia or cortisol-driven early waking often found it too weak to solve the problem alone.
- Acute vs Chronic: Users report immediate benefits for stress, but some notice a slight buildup in efficacy over a few weeks for mood stability.
- Standard Herbal Tea: One cup of strong tea before bed is a common entry point for those avoiding extracts.
- Standardized Extract: 300mg to 600mg daily is the common clinical and user range for anxiety management.
- Sleep-Specific Dose: 200mg to 300mg of concentrated extract (like Cyracos) taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
- Emergency Use: Some users keep a high-dose tincture for acute panic or high-stress workplace interactions.
- Morning Groginess: Occasionally reported if taken in very high doses or combined with other strong sedatives.
- Mild Lethargy: Some users feel 'too chill' or unmotivated if taken in the morning during high-focus work.
- Dependency Concerns: Rare, but some users worry about long-term GABA-A receptor downregulation, though evidence for this is sparse compared to benzos.
- Widely Available: Found as a common tea, tincture, or encapsulated extract in most health food stores.
- General Safety: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and available over-the-counter globally without restriction.
Related Compounds
Community Reviews
Share your experience with LEMON BALM and help others make informed decisions.
Write a Review
Sign in to leave a review