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Lemon Balm

Herbal Supplements

Written by ; Reviewed by

The Basics
Lemon balm is from the same plant family as mint and contains tannins, eugenol, and terpenes. Tannins are antiviral - eugenol kills bacteria and relaxes muscle spasms - and terpenes are essential oils known to be antiviral and calming.

This herb is used to ease gas, bloating, headache, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress and anxiety. It promotes digestion and helps to control cold sores due to herpes viruses.

Sources
Lemon balm is available in the following forms: dried leaf, teas, extracts, tinctures, capsules, and oils.

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Guidelines and Cautions
Always follow package directions.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use lemon balm.

If taking thyroid medication, avoid using lemon balm.

As with any vitamin, herb, or supplement, always consult a medical professional prior to incorporating these substances into your diet.

Updated on: 02/06/10
George D. Picetti, III, MD
In reviewing the above supplements several observations were noted. First of all there are no scientific papers that review the efficacy of these supplements in refereed journals. Therefore we are not able to comment on how effective they are on a scientific level. These supplements are not held to the same standards as other medications, and thus the dose and concentration may differ among different brands or companies. Although many people claim to have good results from taking these and other supplements, it is always best to discuss this with your doctor before taking these supplements. If you are taking any supplement and are scheduled for surgery, it is imperative that you tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist. Some of these supplements can cause significant changes in your body’s chemical functions, such as slowing blood clot formation, which can be a serious problem during surgery.
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