Who should not use lemon balm?

Who Should Not Use Lemon Balm: A Closer Look
Lemon balm, scientifically known as *Melissa officinalis*, is a popular herb belonging to the mint family. Renowned for its calming properties, it has been widely used in traditional medicine to alleviate anxiety, improve sleep, and aid digestion. However, while lemon balm is generally considered safe for most people, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid its use altogether due to potential risks or interactions.
1. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
One of the primary groups advised against using lemon balm includes pregnant and breastfeeding women. Although there is limited research on the safety of lemon balm during pregnancy, its ability to induce relaxation could potentially affect uterine contractions. Similarly, for breastfeeding mothers, the effects of lemon balm on milk production or infant health are not well-studied, prompting caution.
2. Individuals with Allergies
People with allergies to plants in the mint family—such as mint, sage, or basil—should avoid lemon balm. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like skin rashes to more severe reactions such as difficulty breathing. If you have a known allergy to these plants, it’s prudent to steer clear of lemon balm to prevent adverse effects.
3. Those on Sedative Medications
Lemon balm is known for its sedative properties, which can enhance the effects of other sedatives. Individuals taking medications such as benzodiazepines or other anti-anxiety drugs may experience increased drowsiness or sedation when combining these medications with lemon balm. It’s crucial for these individuals to consult healthcare providers before including lemon balm in their regimen.
4. People with Thyroid Disorders
Some studies suggest that lemon balm may interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, particularly in those with conditions such as hypothyroidism. Given that lemon balm can inhibit the uptake of iodine, individuals with thyroid disorders should approach lemon balm with caution and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
5. Individuals Scheduled for Surgery
Due to its calming effects, lemon balm may pose risks for individuals scheduled for surgery. Its sedative properties could potentially interfere with anesthesia or blood pressure control during and after surgery. Health experts recommend discontinuing lemon balm at least two weeks prior to any surgical procedure to mitigate these risks.
Conclusion
While lemon balm offers a range of health benefits, it is essential for certain individuals to avoid its use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with allergies to mint family plants, individuals taking sedative medications, people with thyroid disorders, and those scheduled for surgery should consult healthcare professionals before considering lemon balm. As with any herbal supplement, informed decision-making is key to ensuring safety and efficacy in its use.

What does lemon balm do to the brain?

Lemon balm may improve cognitive function
Lemon balm may have beneficial neurological effects. Older research, as reported in a 2022 review, suggests it may: improve memory. improve cognitive function in people with and without Alzheimer’s disease.

What medications should not be taken with lemon balm?

Lemon balm may potentially interact with the following medications: Sedatives and thyroid medications: Lemon balm may interact with sedatives and thyroid medications. If you are taking sedatives (for insomnia or anxiety) or medications to regulate your thyroid, ask your doctor before taking lemon balm.

Does lemon balm interact with any medications?

Lemon balm may potentially interact with the following medications: Sedatives and thyroid medications: Lemon balm may interact with sedatives and thyroid medications. If you are taking sedatives (for insomnia or anxiety) or medications to regulate your thyroid, ask your doctor before taking lemon balm.

What not to mix with lemon balm?

Possible Interactions
Sedatives and thyroid medications: Lemon balm may interact with sedatives and thyroid medications. If you are taking sedatives (for insomnia or anxiety) or medications to regulate your thyroid, ask your doctor before taking lemon balm.

Can you take lemon balm if you have high blood pressure?

Lemon balm is also used for an autoimmune disease involving the thyroid (Graves’ disease), swollen airways, rapid heartbeat due to nervousness, high blood pressure, cramps, sores, tumors, and insect bites.

Is lemon balm hard on the liver?

Lemon balm extracts are often included in multiingredient dietary supplements some of which have been implicated in liver injury, but a specific contribution from lemon balm to the injury could not be established. The frequency of hypersensitivity reactions to lemon balm extract is also not known.

What are the disadvantages of lemon balm?

Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if lemon balm is safe to use for more than 6 months. When applied to the skin: Lemon balm is possibly safe for most adults. It may cause skin irritation.

What essential oils should be avoided with high blood pressure?

However, if you have high blood pressure, try to avoid stimulating essential oils such as rosemary, sage, and thyme, which are known to increase heart rate and blood pressure, according to Amazing Wellness Magazine.

What is the magical use of lemon balm?

Dubbed a ‘Witches’ plant’, Lemon Balm shares company with Lavender and Mandrake in the mint family, all considered powerful in magical practices. It symbolizes feminine energy, intuition, and emotional healing, often used in spells to attract love and prosperity.

Can lemon balm affect the kidneys?

Histopathologic results of the kidney tissue in group receiving lemon balm at dose of 30% of acute toxity showed relatively mild atrophy of the glomerulus, and increase in urinary space than other groups (P<0.05) (Figure 2 and Table 3).