Lemon Balm

Overview

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a versatile herb celebrated for its calming and cognitive-enhancing properties. A cornerstone of traditional herbal medicine, it has been used for centuries to alleviate stress, promote restful sleep, and support digestion. Modern research highlights Lemon Balm’s ability to enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and sharpen focus, making it a powerful ally for mental and physical well-being.

Other Common Names

Melissa, Balm Mint, Common Balm, Bee Balm

Top Benefits

• Promotes relaxation and stress relief
• Enhances cognitive function and focus
• Supports restful sleep
• Aids digestion and gut health
• Provides antioxidant protection

What Is Lemon Balm?

Lemon Balm is a perennial herb native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, now cultivated worldwide for its medicinal and culinary uses. Known for its mild lemon aroma, the herb is rich in bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and terpenes, which contribute to its calming and cognitive benefits.

Traditionally, Lemon Balm has been used to ease nervous tension, improve sleep quality, and support digestive health. Recent scientific studies validate these traditional uses, showing that Lemon Balm interacts with neurotransmitter systems such as GABA to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting mental clarity. Its antioxidant properties also protect cells from oxidative stress, contributing to overall health and longevity.

Marco’s Grounds™ Lemon Balm Sourcing

At Marco’s Grounds™, our Lemon Balm is sourced from a family-owned farm in Romania where the climate and fertile soils produce Lemon Balm of exceptional quality. 

Our Lemon Balm is grown using sustainable farming practices to preserve its rich aromatic profile and potent bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid and flavonoids. These practices ensure that the plant is harvested at its peak to maximize its therapeutic benefits.

Lemon Balm Dosing Principles and Rationale

Effective daily doses of Lemon Balm extract range from 300 to 600 mg, standardized to active compounds like rosmarinic acid. Marco’s Grounds™ incorporates Lemon Balm in synergistic blends, following hormetic dosing principles to ensure maximum benefits without over-supplementation.

For stress relief and cognitive support, Lemon Balm can be taken during the day. For sleep enhancement, it is best consumed 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

Lemon Balm Key Mechanisms

Stress Reduction

• Inhibits gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T), increasing GABA activity in the brain and promoting relaxation [1].
• Modulates cortisol levels, helping to mitigate the physical effects of stress [2].

Cognitive Support

• Improves memory, attention, and mental clarity by enhancing acetylcholine activity [3].
• Increases alpha brainwave activity, associated with a calm yet alert mental state [4].

Sleep Quality

• Promotes deeper, more restful sleep by calming the nervous system and reducing overactive mental states [5].
• Supports healthy sleep cycles, especially in individuals experiencing stress-induced insomnia [6].

Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects

• Contains rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, which neutralize free radicals and protect brain cells from oxidative stress [7].
• Modulates inflammatory pathways to support long-term brain health [8].

Synergies with other Marco’s Grounds™ Ingredients

• L-Theanine: Enhances Lemon Balm’s calming effects while improving focus.
• Magnesium Glycinate: Amplifies stress-reducing and sleep-promoting benefits.
• Chamomile: Complements Lemon Balm for digestive and relaxation support.

References

1. Kennedy, D. O., Little, W., & Scholey, A. B. (2004). Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Psychosomatic Medicine, 66(4), 607–613.
2. Cases, J., Ibarra, A., Feuillere, N., Roller, M., & Sukkar, S. G. (2011). Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 4(3), 211–218.
3. Scholey, A., & Kennedy, D. (2002). Acute, dose-dependent cognitive effects of Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, and Melissa officinalis in healthy young volunteers: the involvement of mood and cognitive demand. Nutritional Neuroscience, 5(6), 363–377.
4. Dimpfel, W., & Schombert, L. (2020). Effects of Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon Balm) Extract on EEG Patterns and Mood States During Cognitive and Emotional Challenges. Journal of Natural Remedies, 20(2), 65–72.
5. Cerný, A., & Lendelová, J. (2008). Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild insomnia. Clinical Phytoscience, 4(1), 1–7.
6. Awad, R., Muhammad, A., Durst, T., Trudeau, V. L., & Arnason, J. T. (2009). Bioassay-guided fractionation of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) using an in vitro measure of GABA transaminase activity. Phytotherapy Research, 23(8), 1075–1081.
7. Tai, J., Cheung, S., Wu, M., & Hasman, D. (2008). Antiproliferation effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) on human ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Phytomedicine, 15(6-7), 527–530.
8. Yoshikawa, T., Naito, Y., & Kondo, M. (1999). Role of oxidative stress in gastrointestinal inflammation: antioxidative therapy with herbal extracts. Journal of Gastroenterology, 34(4), 524–526.