What Is Lemon Balm Extract?Melissa officinalis, also known as LemonBalm, is a herb that is very closely related to mint. In fact, both Lemon Balmand mint are part of the same family known as the Lamiaceae family. Unlike mint, LemonBalm does not contain significant amounts of menthol as is common is most mintspecies. Instead, Lemon Balm contains a large amount of rosmarinic acid,which as the name may have already given away, is also found in rosemary! Eventhoughis closely related to some of our favorite culinary herbs,Lemon Balm does much more than spruce up a delicious dish.What IsLemon Balm Used For?Lemon Balm extract has a multitude of uses. As alludedto above, Lemon Balm is used in food anddrink preparation. The leaves of Lemon Balm have a lush and vibrant lemonytaste that is somewhat reminiscent of tea.
Lemon balm or Melissa officinalis is a plant with a very citrus aroma similar to lemon. This medicinal and aromatic plant is widely used for its antidepressant, anxiolytic, digestive and sedative properties that are used to treat depressive episodes as well as insomnia, even in children.
Thus, it may not come as a surprisethat one of the most common uses for Lemon Balm is to use it to make LemonBalm tea. Upon drinking this tea, however, something special happens!contains a vast array of beneficialcompounds such as rosmarinic acid and hydroxycinnamic acids which helpsupport relaxation, boost cognitive function, enhance sleep quality and promoteskin health. This makes Lemon Balm an incredibly versatile supplement, and inour opinion, a very universally beneficial nootropic herb that can practically beincorporated into everyone’s daily supplement regimen.The purposes of this article is to explore, indepth, the top four Lemon Balm benefits.
So, let's explorethese amazing Lemon Balm benefits!Top Lemon Balm Extract Benefits1. Helpssupport healthy sleep2. Helpspromote relaxation3.
Helpssupport cognition4. Helpspromotes skin healthLemon Balm Extract InfographicWant detailed information regarding the information in this infographic? Continue reading on below.Lemon Balm Extract For SleepSleep is a tricky thing when life gets busy,chaotic, and stressful! You feel physically exhausted, but your mind just won’trelax enough for you to fall asleep easily and sleep through the night. This iswhere the relaxing properties of Lemon Balm can really come in handy. Thegentle, relaxing effects produced by rising GABA levels in the brain afterLemon Balm supplementation can help ease the mind and relax the body.
LemonBalm increases GABA levels in the brain by primarily blocking one of the mainenzymes responsible for breaking down GABA. This enzyme is called GABAtransaminase and blocking it results in a gentle yet robust increase in GABAlevels. Due to its somewhat gentle effects,benefits those who donot want to get 'knocked out' before bed, but rather those who want to feel relaxedenough to facilitate natural sleep processes.Lemon Balm Extract Stacked With MelatoninThe gentle sleep-promoting effects of LemonBalm can be enhanced by supplementing Melatonin with Lemon Balm.
We wouldrecommend combining our Lemon Balm extract with our intelligently dosedMelatonin supplement. Most Melatonin supplements on the market are grosslyover-dosed, and could actually lead to less restful sleep. We wrote a full blogrecently, about the incorrect dosing of Melatonin, which we would recommend.
Our, on the other hand, do agreat job at mimicking natural Melatonin secretions at night. So, our 300mcg Melatonin with Lemon Balm helps facilitate healthy, natural, and restful sleep!Lemon Balm Extract For RelaxationDue to the gentle and relaxing effects of LemonBalm, it can also be taken during the day in order to promote a positive andrelaxed mood.
Taking a Lemon Balm supplement during the day can be especiallybeneficial for managing stress, making it an ideal candidate for those workinghighly demanding jobs or studying complicated subjects at school. In scenarioswhere mental clarity cannot be disturbed, a strong stress regulator such asSensoril Ashwagandha or Bacognize Bacopa monnieri may not be the ideal choice as it may get in the way of aheavy work/course load. In this scenario, supplementing with Lemon Balm isideal, as it is relaxing and manages stress without producing lethargy.Lemon Balm Extract As A Natural NootropicNot only is Lemon Balm a great supplement forregulating stress and promoting a relaxed and positive mood, it can also be putto use as a great natural nootropic!
This is oftentimes one of the mostoverlooked benefits of Lemon Balm which is a shame because it is a very usefulnatural nootropic! Like many of theout there, LemonBalm extract can enhance cholinergic function in the brain. This is often avery sought-after effect when it comes to natural nootropics as acetylcholineis a key player in cognitive function (especially memory function).
Byenhancing acetylcholine levels, Lemon Balm can bolster cognitive function,allowing you to work or study calmly and efficiently.Lemon Balm, mainly through regulating stress, has also been shown to enhance neurogenesis. This is one of themost interestingbenefits as enhanced neurogenesis can help protectour brains, optimize cognitive function, increase memory formation and can evenhelp promote a positive mood! When looking at all of the other Lemon Balm benefits we have discussed so far, the added bonus of neurogenesis support makes LemonBalm a very effective!Lemon Balm Extract Benefits For SkinAt Nootropics Depot, we love supplements thatproduce a wide variety of effects and this is why we have always sought outthe highest quality Lemon Balm extracts available on the market. Not only doesLemon Balm have a positive influence on our overall mental health, Lemon Balmbenefits skin health too! Skin health is an aspect of health which can oftentimes get neglected, especially with busy schedules. This is unfortunate, however, as healthy skin can have positive effects on our overallmental well-being and boost confidence levels! We recently explored a variety of skinhealth-enhancing supplements.
After writing the skinhealth blog, we have been keeping an eye out for other skin health boostingsupplements, and to our surprise, Lemon Balm benefits skin health verypositively!A major topic in our was theimportance of protecting our skin against UV radiation. Specifically, UV-Bradiation which can be very damaging to the skin. With this is mind, it’simportant to protect our skin from UV-B radiation by either covering our skinwith clothing, using sunscreen and/or utilizing key supplements to furtherprotect our skin from harmful UV-B radiation.benefits skin healthand protects our skin from UV-B radiation via a few different pathways. LemonBalm extract helps regulate oxidation and inflammation and through thesemechanisms can help limit the effects of UV-B radiation. That being said, anyoxidation and inflammation-regulating supplement could achieve this, so whatmakes Lemon Balm special?Lemon Balm extract has the ability to speedup a process called melanogenesis, a process by which a pigment called melaninis produced. Melanin is dark in color and can very effectively absorb UV-Bradiation, thus protecting the skin. Some of you may already know this, butgetting tan involves increased levels of melanogenesis.
A tan may look great,but it’s actually an indicator that we are being exposed to too much UV-Bradiation and the tan we see is actually an intelligent, protective mechanismagainst the sun.Which Lemon Balm Extract Should You Buy?As you may have noticed, we have a fewdifferent Lemon Balm supplements available for purchase. Our favorite Lemon Balm supplement for relaxingand sleep promoting effects is our regular. Our regularLemon Balm extract is now available as both a(which is great formaking Lemon Balm tea) and as athat now features a scoreline.
The score line tablets allow you to precisely dial in your dose and hasbeen an office favorite since its release!Our other Lemon Balm extract is a unique extractcalled. It is very high in rosmarinic acid and hydroxycinnamic acids which gives it a slightly different effect profile than our regular Lemon Balmextract.
Theis more uplifting and can even be a little bitenergizing. This makes it the preferred extract for daytime dosing and makesit especially useful for those seeking out Lemon Balm for cognitive health support.Buy Lemon Balm Extract Supplements from Nootropics Depotto buy Lemon Balm Extract supplements from Nootropics DepotView more Nootropics Depot blog articles by clicking the links below:Browse More From Nootropics Depot Attention: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Lemon balm is an easy to grow herb that not only attracts bees to the garden, but is also a great anti-viral with relaxing properties that are helpful for soothing frayed nerves and calming hyper children.Traditionally, it’s been used to gently treat colic and upset stomach in everyone from infants to elders. A leaf can be chewed to freshen the breath or crushed and placed on a bug bite to help ease the itch.If you’ve ever planted lemon balm, you know how one tiny plant can quickly take over a large portion of your garden!Fortunately, lemon balm has many uses and today, I’m sharing over a dozen things to do with this prolific little gem.Note: While it’s generally considered safe for most people, large amounts of lemon balm may inhibit thyroid function.
If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), are on thyroid medication, or are pregnant, nursing, or have any other questions or concerns, talk with a qualified health professional before use.To print this list, scroll down until you see a green “Print Friendly” button. Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I earn a small commission for sending a customer their way. This costs you nothing extra, but lets me keep doing what I do. Thank you!:)12+ Things to Do With Lemon Balm:1.
Make a sleepy time herbal syrup:This is a delicious way to calm and relax everyone from children to adults!. Place about 3/4 cup lemon balm leaves into a small pot and add enough water to just cover the leaves.
Simmer, covered partially, until the liquid is reduced in half. Strain out & compost the leaves. While still quite warm, measure out about 1/2 cup of the concentrated tea and stir 1/4 cup raw honey into it. Add more honey to taste, if you wish. Store in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Dose by the spoonful at night to help calm and relax.
(Honey should not be used with children under 1 year old.)Note: You can make larger or smaller batches – keeping a ratio of about 2 parts lemon balm infusion to 1 part honey.2. Make a lemon balm bug spray:I’ve tried a lot of homemade bug spray recipes and this is my favorite one.The best part is that it’s yet another way to help use up some of my abundance of lemon balm and other herbs!You can find the full recipe and how to make it in my blog post,.3. Chop fresh leaves and sprinkle on salads or in baked goods:Drizzle the salads with honey or a dressing made of yogurt and honey.Try adding finely chopped leaves (1 to 2 TBSP) and lemon zest (a pinch) to your favorite scone or muffin recipe.Related: Fresh leaves can also be frozen in ice cubes to dress up a summer beverage.4. Make a lip balm for cold sores:This lip balm recipe was designed especially for my son who developed cold sores triggered by sunshine when he was young.It cleared his cold sores up within a few months and they stayed away!You can find the full recipe and how to make it in my blog post,.5. Make a glycerite:Glycerites are a sweet way to dose herbal medicine without the alcohol that regular tinctures contain. Herbal infused glycerin can also be used as an ingredient in lotions, toners and aftershave recipes.To make a lemon balm glycerite:. Fill a jar with lemon balm leaves.
Cover with a mixture of 3 parts to 1 part water. Cap and let this sit in a dark place for 3 to 4 weeks. Strain. Dose is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon as needed to relax and calm.
Store in your refrigerator for several months.(Adapted from.)6. Make a relaxing, tummy soothing tea:Fill a jar with fresh lemon balm leaves.Pour simmering hot water into the jar then cover the top with a saucer so that none of the vapors escape.Let steep until cool enough to drink.
Sweeten to taste & enjoy!7. Make lemon balm soap:This soap recipe is made with lemon balm tea and naturally scented with lemongrass.It’s a perfect way to use up some extra lemon balm from your garden!You can find the full recipe in my blog post,.8. Make a simple remedy for bug bites & acne:Moisten a pinch of with lemon balm tea.Dab on blemishes and bug bites as needed.Allow to air dry and keep it on your skin as long as possible to help soothe the itchiness and inflammation.9. Make a relaxing bath:Fill a bath bag with lemon balm leaves and rose petals.Hang from the spigot and let the water run through as the tub fills.For even more relaxation, try throwing a cup of Epsom salt into the tub as well.(No bath bags handy?
Try a thin white sock with a knot tied at the top.)10. Make a ginger & lemon balm cold syrup:This Ginger & Lemon Balm Syrup is a ramped up version of a basic ginger syrup, with lemon balm added for its extra antiviral properties.It’s so easy to make, your kids can help!Stash it in the refrigerator for around 2 weeks and take whenever you’ve been around germy people, feel a little run down or think you might be catching something.You can find the full recipe and how to make it at my blog post,.11. Thanks for the reply Alyssa! I’m sorry that I didn’t see Cheryl’s comment earlier! Yes, you can freeze lemon balm leaves in single layers in a freezer bag for a month or two. You can also make a tea or infusion and freeze that. I’ve kept infusions for up to around 9 months.
Frozen items are good for making teas, lotions, soaps and other water based things, since they’ll get a little soggy (the leaves) anyway, when thawed. For oil based items, you can dry your lemon balm leaves by spreading them out on a clean towel in a single layer for a few days. Keep them in a jar, out of direct sunlight and don’t crumble until you’re going to use them (to retain the aromatic oils as much as possible.). Hi Candy, My lemon balm usually reseeds itself each year – sometimes in places as far away as across my yard! I’ve never collected the seeds, so I’m not sure much about them.
I would think once it flowers it should produce some. You can also divide your plant and put part of it in your garden. (If you have really cold winters, you might want to wait until spring to do this.) Lemon balm is a lot like mint. Once you plant it, it usually grows and spreads A LOT.
I started with one tiny plant, and now it has spread to cover about 1/3 of one side of my house. Hi Annie,I would definitely not want to usurp what a licensed naturopath says – they know all about your medical history and I’m sure they have a big picture/plan for health in mind!
However, here’s why I put that suggestion in:The first time I saw this information, was a quote by respected herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar: “Lemon balm is considered a thyroid inhibitor; those suffering from hypothyroidism or low thyroid activity should use it only under the guidance of a health-care practitioner.” That made me curious to learn more, because if anything my children & I run more to having a few symptoms on the opposite hyperthyroidism side of things & I wondered if we could benefit by taking it more. (We have super fast metabolism, that’s not always a good thing.)I found several medical sites cautioning against its use with hypothyroidism & thyroid medications, then started looking at the medical studies they cited in their sources. Here’s an example of one that I found:“Melissa Officinalis produced a significant inhibition of TSH binding to its receptor and of antibody binding to TSH”And there are more you can search for, but the main thing to keep in mind is that the tests were done in an isolated lab setting. Likely, your naturopath has you on a balanced combination of other herbs & nutrients suited just for your situation.To be safe though, I have to mention those types of things so that people won’t just willy-nilly take something at home, without stopping to think that herbs can be powerful – just as powerful as a medication – and should be researched well before use, especially if there’s a medical condition or pregnancy involved.Thanks for asking & I hope that clarified my statement better!:). Hi Jana, My once tiny lemon balm plant constantly threatens to take over one portion of my garden. I find seedlings for it all over the place. It has survived freezing winters and super dry summers where nothing grew well.
So, it’s a pretty tough plant! However, I’m not exactly sure how it grows in other climates, outside of my own. If you bought it from a local nursery though, there’s a good chance that it is suitable for your area, but you can double check with them and see what they recommend. I hope it does well for you!
Jan: I learn something new from you every time I read your blog. I just bought my first lemon balm plant and will by tucking it into a nice (and large) pot I just happen to have. Glad I didn’t plant it with my basil as between the 2 of them my raised bed would be over run.I do how ever wonder if you have any wonderful ideas for fresh spearmint. I have a great potful that I trim back and take to work, share with neighbors, family and use myself. New uses would be wonderful to add to my current book of recipes.Thanks in advance for your kind assistance. That would be up to the doctor that prescribed your medication since he/she knows the severity of your condition, the amount you take & the numbers on your blood work.
It’s more of a precautionary statement to let people know that a few studies & some traditional herbalists lean towards avoiding lemon balm if you have hypothyroid. Your doctor may say lemon balm’s okay for occasional use. (Say a cup of tea during a really stressful time or something like that.) If they don’t think it’s a good idea at all though, you could try passionflower and/or valerian root for sleeping. (They make a really great combination.) Also, my daughter has excellent results with taking magnesium before bed to help her sleep better. Most people are deficient in it, so it’s usually needed anyway.
(With all of these though – double check with your doc to make sure it won’t interfere with any prescriptions or other health issues.) I hope you find one of those ideas helpful! You’d want to give this recipe to kids over the age of one (because of the honey), but lemon balm by itself is even used for infants with colic. It’s one of the safest herbs known.
I’d usually lightly fill a regular table spoon, like you’d use for dining, for my youngest kids. My daughter still makes a lemon balm/honey mixture occasionally (she’s a creative night owl, but sometimes needs to sleep earlier so she’s not overtired the next morning) – a spoonful seems good for her too and she’s 15 now! That seems to be the magic amount for us, so I don’t think you’d need more than that. Sleepovers with Nan sound so much fun – I bet they have a great time!:). I’m glad you corrected that, I was worried for a second!:) I’m not sure of the strength or how you’d dose your particular lemon balm pills, so that’s probably a good question for your doctor, but my thought is that you’d want to keep it in your system – so spread out throughout the day. If anyone is having trouble sleeping here, I usually give them lemon balm in the evening or not long before bed and it seems to be effective that way. Still, though I’d double check with your doctor since they know your full health history and such.
I hope that you find lemon balm helps you feel better!:). Be careful folks, this lovely fragrant plant really can take over nearby areas quickly via underground root travel. I fight it every summer, it even grows in the deep woods where I’ve chucked it. I cut it and put it in a vase just to tame it, a nice bouquet when flowers are short. But the roots? Oh dear.Once established, the larger plants are very difficult to pull out, I have to dig them. Get the seedlings out while you can.
Mow them down!When extracting through boiling water, best to steep leaves and not be tempted to simmer for more than 1 – 2 minutes, as it can turn bitter. Tinctures very often turn brown (the liquid and herbs), so that part sounds okay. I’m not sure about the faint rotting smell though. I just went through and sniffed my collection of tinctures and they have varying smells – some of the oldest ones just smell like strong alcohol, while some of my newer ones have varying degrees of earthy, plant smells.
How long has it been infusing for? Did you add any water, or just straight alcohol?
I would go ahead and strain it and then let it sit tightly closed (out of direct sunlight) for several days, then uncap and see what it smells like then. It could be just the stages of the leaves breaking down that you smell. Once it’s strained, that smell should go away. If you think about it, come back and let me know how it turns out!:). Hi Jan,I found you through a Google search when I was looking for lemon balm uses.I have a plant and I’ve added the leaves to hot tea, chilled water and in a recipe.
I love it.Just wanted to say I love your post here – and your responses.I had graduated personal training school several years ago and we were cautioned about giving advice regarding supplements and herbs – especially when combined with certain conditions and/or medications.Needless to say, I follow this, and I applaud your responses to those asking about their Hypothyroidism.It’s nice to see someone dispense responsible information. Actually, it’s a breath of fresh air.Awesome info here. I’ll have to try some of the other recipes out.Thanks so much:). All content © Honey Bee Hill Creatives LLC - All Rights Reserved. The information on this site is for idea-sharing only. While this site does its best to provide useful information, any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk and not a substitute for medical, legal, or any other professional advice of any kind.
Some links are affiliate links; see for details. The Nerdy Farm Wife, operating under Honey Bee Hill Creatives LLC, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. DISCLAIMER: All recipes are made and used at your own risk. If you're a product seller, please educate yourself in safe cosmetic making and product testing practices before making and selling bath and body products. We are not responsible for the products you create from the recipes on this site or in ebooks or print books.
You alone are responsible for product and recipe testing to ensure compatibility and safety.