Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) has been found in clinical study to significantly improve both mood and cognitive performance, and it is among the top 20 recent nootropics gaining attention on Reddit.
Lemon balm has a number of uses: as an ornamental, culinary, perfumery, a flavor, in toothpastes and cosmetics, to attract bees for honey, and as an herbal medicine.
Originally from Europe, the Mediterranean, Iran and Central Asia, it is now naturalized in many areas of the world.
Lemon Balm is in the mint family and looks a lot like regular mint, but with a lemony scent.
In foods, Lemon Balm is used for its flavor and goes well with a number of applications, including ice creams, beverages, tea, soups, stews and also sweet dishes like desserts.
Lemon Balm essential oil is valued in perfumery and aromatherapy, and dried leaves incorporated into sachets, potpourri, and sometimes bath products for their fragrance.
In traditional medicine, lemon balm has a history dating back over 2,000 years, being referenced in texts by Greek, Roman, and Medieval herbalists.
It has long been used in Europe to aid digestion, as well as for soothing the nervous system liver and GI tract.
An herbalist’s favorite for adding a little sunshine to someone’s outlook, Lemon Balm has been found to be useful for stress, anxiety, insomnia and cognitive function.
Through scientific investigation, Lemon Balm has been found to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer, and antiproliferative activities.
In a couple double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover studies, a Lemon Balm-containing beverage was given to healthy young participants and found to improve both mood and/or cognitive performance.
Other conditions for which Lemon Balm is being studied include nausea, menstrual comfort, cold sores, headache, and toothache.
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.