LEMON BALM Lemon Balm is an herbal native to southern Europe. It is commonly used for sleep disorders and functional gastrointestinal complaints. The German commission E recommends lemon balm. It has been rated generally regarded as safe by the US FDA. There is some evidence to support lemon balm and its use for sleep disorders and memory and it was found to calm elderly patients with severe dementia. Ballard, C., et al Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 2002;63:553-8. Lemon Balm’s official name is Melissa officinalis. Laboratory studies suggest lemon balm contains antioxidants. How to use Lemon Balm Lemon Balm is most commonly combined with Valerian root, chamomile, and passionflower as a sleep aid. Salves containing lemon balm of also been applied to the skin to help with the treatment of herpes simplex or cold sores. A common dosage for the use of lemon balm is 6 mL three times a day in an extract of 45 % of alcohol. Lemon balm extract with a dose of 60 drops, about to dropper full, has been used with Alzheimer's patients for improvement in cognition. Lemon Balm can calm and is useful when anxious. Side Effects and Contraindications. Lemon Balm may cause headache. It may also reduce alertness so caution should be used when using lemon balm when driving or using heavy equipment.
It is contraindicated for persons having glaucoma as it may increase the intraocular pressure. It's also be used cautiously in patients with low thyroid as it may block the binding of TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone. It is not recommended for pregnancy and women breastfeeding. Although there have been no studies to suggest it makes the effects of alcohol worse it is generally recommended that is not be used with alcohol or sedative type drugs. Lemon balm may also inhibit concentrations of serotonin as it may interact with SSRIs such as Celexa, (citalopram), or Lexapro (escitalopram) Prozac (fluoxetine) and Paxil (Paroxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) . What to do When Taking Lemon Balm Lemon balm is used for sleep and is combined with valerian, chamomile, and other natural products to enhance sleep. Other steps should also be undertaken to aid sleep at the same time. Develop good sleep hygiene, limit caffeinated beverages, choose a regular time to go to bed and a regular time up, go to bed only for sleep or sex, and calm yourself before going to bed. Use techniques to calm your mind with breathing.(^) or relaxation methods(^). It can also be used alone to help with symptoms of anxiety as it functions as a mild relaxant. Use it in conjunction with worry control and relaxation. Where to Obtain Lemon Balm/ Dosage Lemon balm is usually not sold alone and is combined as a sleep aid. Mindicine has a standard sleep aid, Valsed, that can be very effective alone or it
be augmented with lemon balm at 500mg. The dosage for anxiety is 200 – 300 mg 2 – 3 times daily.
References – Kennedy, D. et al. Attenuation of Laboratory-Induced Sress in Humans After Acute Administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) Psychosomatic Medicine 66:607-613 (2004)
Journal of Psychosomatic Research 53 (2002) 873 – 876Central pathways to morbidity and mortalityJanice K. Kiecolt-Glasera,*, Ronald GlaserbaDepartment of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 1670 Upham Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USAbDepartment of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210,
The new england journal of medicine This Journal feature begins with a case vignette highlighting a common clinical problem. Evidence supporting various strategies is then presented, followed by a review of formal guidelines, when they exist. The article ends with the author’s clinical recommendations. A 50-year-old black American has a blood pressure of 160/110 mm Hg on repeated
LEMON BALM
be augmented with lemon balm at 500mg. The dosage for anxiety is 200 – 300 mg 2 – 3 times daily.
References – Kennedy, D. et al. Attenuation of Laboratory-Induced Sress in Humans After Acute