Lemon Balm Tea For Insomnia

Uses of Lemon balm tea goes back some 2000 year.  Lemon Balm is mentioned as a medicinal herb in the writings of both the Greeks and Romans.

Today Lemon Balm is still one of the most widely used herbal teas. Some people who suffer from insomnia and other sleep difficulties rely on the herbal tea to help them get a good nights sleep.

They claim that the tea calms anxiety, relieves depression, and promotes a good night sleep.

But what is Lemon balm and does the tea really help you sleep better?

Let’s take a closer look at it.

fresh lemon balm
Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm Benefits

What is Lemon Balm? Lemon balm is a perennial plant in the mint family. The biological name of the herb is is Melissa officinalis. The plant grows between 10 and 24 inches tall and blooms small white or pink small flowers.

What is this herb used for? It makes a herbal tea that iis consumed for insomnia, sleep disorders, and anxiety. But the plant has other benefits.

For example Lemon Balm tea is used alleviate symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the discomforts of PMS, and to boost brain alertness.

Melissa officinalis extracts is also used to spice up different foods. And the plant is cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Lemon Balm Tea For Insomnia

Lemon Balm tea is probably the easiest way to get the benefits of the herb. Here’s how to easily make the herbal tea.

  1. Collect about 8 to 10 fresh leaves. Rinse and dry them with a paper towel.
  2. Boil 1 cup of water
  3. Use the back of a spoon to slightly crush the leaves. It releases the herbs natural oils.
  4. Place the leaves in a cup and pour the hot water over them.
  5. Cover with a saucer and let steep for about 4 minutes.
  6. Sweeten, if desired, and drink while still warm.

Sleep Tea

One of the chemical compounds found in Lemon balm is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system-GABA.  This neurotransmitter blocks signals to the Central Nervous System.

Because of the action of GABA blocking some brain signals, both brain and body gets relief from emotions such as anxiety, stress, and depression. 

The result is the body calms down and this helps promote relaxation, and deep sleep.

Usage of Lemon Balm

You may be wondering whether it is safe to consume this sleep tea for a long period of time.

First you need to know that the herb is not only available in tea form.  It is also widely sold online as capsules, tincture, and topical creamss

To help determine how to use these products safely, Mount Sinai provides sone nformation about the dosages and safety of using Lemon balm herb.

The table below is a helpful guide.

  • Capsules: Take 300 to 500 mg dried lemon balm, 3 times daily or as needed.
  • Tea: 1.5 to 4.5 grams (1/4 to 1 tsp.) of dried lemon balm herb in hot water. Steep and drink up to 4 times daily.
  • Tincture: 60 drops of lemon balm daily
  • Topical: Apply topical cream to the affected area, 3 times daily or as directed.

Side Effects of Lemon Balm

Some users of the herb and its extracts have reported experiencing some mild side effects. These side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • vomiting
  • Wheezing
  • Headaches

Lemon Balm Melissa

Several recent investigations have been done to determine whether lemon balm supplements actually works. 

One of these studies used 80 patients who had sleep problems as test subjects. The participants were divided into two groups.

One group was given a placebo, while the second group was given supplements made from lemon balm.

After 8 weeks of study it was determined that the group that received the lemon balm supplement experienced better sleep.

Possible Interactions

If you take sedatives, medication of glaucoma treatment, or thyroid you need to exercise caution when using this herb.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should talk to their professional health care providers before using Lemon balm products.

Although the herb has a long history in traditional medicine, there is no data to confirm that it is safe for children to consume.

More Tips to Help You Sleep

  1. Don’t go to bed on an empty stomach
  2. Avoid caffeine late in the day
  3. Take a relaxing shower or bath
  4. Cut out long day time naps
  5. Treat minor aches and pain.

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated on this site is to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your professional healthcare provider about matters relating to your medical care.

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