Monmouth County's Ask The Doctor Early Spring 2021

Lemon balm is a perennial herb from the mint family. The leaves, which have a mild lemon aroma, are used to make medicine. Lemon balm is used alone or as part of various multi-herb combination products. Lemon balm contains chemicals that seem to have a sedative, calming effect. It might also reduce the growth of some viruses. Lemon balm is used for and has shown help for anxiety, stress, Alzheimers Disease, Dementia, Insomnia and Indigestion. Researchers concluded that certain doses and delivery of lemon balm could reduce stress and negative moods or anxiety. Another recent study indicated that lemon balm may help with indigestion. The study looked at 30 people with function- al dyspepsia, a condition that can cause an upset stomach. Researchers gave participants a dessert similar to a sorbet with or without lemon balm that they had also combined with another herb (artichoke, or Cynara scolymus). Participants who ate the dessert with the herbs experienced less stomach upset than those who did not. Other researchers indicated that lemon balmmight help with conditions related to stress, such as: diabetes and chronic disor- ders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Cardiovascular diseases. However, the review indicates that factors, including how people manufacture it and dosage, directly impact lemon balm’s effectiveness. Lemon balm contains chemicals that seem to have a sedative, calming effect. It might also reduce the growth of some viruses. Don't use lemon balm if you have Thyroid disease or thyroid issues. There is a concern that lemon balm may change thy- roid function, reduce thyroid hormone levels, and interfere with thyroid hormone-replacement therapy. Talk to your trusted Physician about Lemon Balm and do your research. There is still limited research that proves the effec- tiveness of lemon balm across larger populations. A: q: What Can Lemon Balm Be Used For?

By Surabhi Ashok

ASK THE DOCTOR

EARLY SPRING 2021

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