Lemon balm in traditional use – a herb that calms the digestion and the mind

For centuries, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has been valued for its healing properties, especially in Mediterranean folk medicine. Records of its healing effects and benefits date back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was particularly prized for its soothing influence on digestion and its benefits for mental well-being.  

What is particularly interesting about lemon balm is its adaptability. It is an easy plant to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginner herbalists. But while it is simple to grow, its biological composition is extremely varied and complex, giving it a wide range of health benefits.

What makes lemon balm so special?

In traditional medicine, lemon balm was appreciated for the exceptionally broad range of its active ingredients, most of which are found in its delicate leaves. These leaves contain a treasure trove of important bioactive substances (polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, etc.), as well as the essential oil, which is quite special, as it is made up of more than 30 different components, reflecting the complexity of this plant.

Thanks to its complex composition, lemon balm offers a wide range of benefits. It has calming, antioxidant, antibacterial, and even antiviral properties. Historical records describe its use to stimulate menstruation, reduce cramps (antispasmodic action), and relieve a wide range of ailments – from bloating and digestive problems to arrhythmia, bronchitis, dizziness, insomnia, and headaches.

No wonder that lemon balm continues to be one of the most popular herbs in natural medicine. Despite its gentle nature, it has powerful effects – calming, relieving, and supporting the body when we need it most.

Lemon balm and digestion: a natural aid for mild digestive problems

Lemon balm has long been used in traditional medicine to deal with digestive problems. Today, it is also recognised by official health institutions.

The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products recommends the use of lemon balm leaves for mild digestive problems such as bloating and flatulence. Likewise, the European Scientific Co-operation on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends lemon balm as a symptomatic treatment for general digestive problems, including minor intestinal cramps.

These recommendations are based on traditional use, which means that although there are not yet enough clinical studies for full scientific confirmation, the effects are plausible and sound, given the mechanism of action and the 30 years of evidence of safe use, at least 15 of which have been documented in the EU.

Although there is insufficient research on lemon balm and its effects to fully understand its mechanisms and effectiveness, existing studies and years of experience suggest that lemon balm may affect the strength and frequency of intestinal contractions.

In addition, it has antispasmodic properties, which means that it supports the relaxation of smooth muscles, relieving flatulence, pains, and cramps in people with overactive bowels (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome). 

Lemon balm – a herb for the peace of mind and relieving anxiety

In traditional Asian medicine, lemon balm has also long been used to support mental balance, helping with problems such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress-related heart palpitations, and a general feeling of tension. 

In fact, more clinical studies have been carried out in this area of mental health than on the effects of lemon balm on the digestive system. The results of these studies confirm its calming effect, its mild antidepressant action and its protective effect on the brain. Some studies also indicate improvements in mood, cognitive abilities, and memory.

Phenolic compounds are an important factor here, especially rosmarinic acid, which is thought to affect several important pathways in the body, including serotonin – a neurotransmitter that has a key role in regulating mood, sleep, and digestion. As much as 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, and it plays an important role in controlling peristalsis and the sensation of pain. 

We also know that the gut and brain are closely connected via the gut-brain axis, so the status of serotonin in the gut can have an indirect effect on our mental well-being.

Lemon balm compounds also increase levels of GABA, another neurotransmitter that acts as a brake on the nervous system, exerting a calming effect, reducing feelings of anxiety, and improving sleep. 

Quite impressive for such a delicate plant.

In short, lemon balm is a herb with calming properties that support both digestion and mental health. Although this gentle and fragrant plant does not have many clinical studies behind it yet, experience and, above all, millennia of traditional use, show that it can provide extremely valuable support, especially when used as part of a broader strategy to reduce digestive problems and relieve stress.

Sources:

 Aubert P, Guinobert I, Blondeau C, Bardot V, Ripoche I, Chalard P, Neunlist M. Basal and Spasmolytic Effects of a Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Melissa officinalis L. on Intestinal

Dolatabadi F, Abdolghaffari AH, Farzaei MH, Baeeri M, Ziarani FS, Eslami M, Abdollahi M, Rahimi R. The Protective Effect of Melissa officinalis L. in Visceral Hypersensitivity in Rat Using 2 Models of Acid-induced Colitis and Stress-induced Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Possible Role of Nitric Oxide Pathway. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018 Jul 30;24(3):490-501. doi: 10.5056/jnm17035. PMID: 29879761; PMCID: PMC6034661.

European Medicine Agency: Community Herbal Monograph on Melissa officinalis L., Folium. 2013: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-summary/melissa-leaf-summary-public_en.pdf 

European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy: ESCOP Monograph on Melissae Folium. Exeter, England, 2013.

Ghazizadeh J, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Marx W, Fakhari A, Hamedeyazdan S, Torbati M, Taheri-Tarighi S, Araj-Khodaei M, Mirghafourvand M. The effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on depression and anxiety in clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2021 Dec;35(12):6690-6705. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7252. Epub 2021 Aug 27. PMID: 34449930.

Motility: An Ex Vivo Study. J Med Food. 2019 Jul;22(7):653-662. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2018.0154. Epub 2019 Apr 16. PMID: 30990736; PMCID: PMC6653806.

Miraj S, Rafieian-Kopaei, Kiani S. Melissa officinalis L: A Review Study With an Antioxidant Prospective. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jul;22(3):385-394. doi: 10.1177/2156587216663433. Epub 2016 Sep 11. PMID: 27620926; PMCID: PMC5871149.

Petrisor G, Motelica L, Craciun LN, Oprea OC, Ficai D, Ficai A. Melissa officinalis: Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Derived Release Systems-A Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 25;23(7):3591. doi: 10.3390/ijms23073591. PMID: 35408950; PMCID: PMC8998931.