Dr. Ahmed Lemon balm tea, with its lovely citrus aroma, is one of the herbal remedies many individuals use for stress and sleep.
Many people utilize lemon balm tea as a natural and gentle option. However, “natural” doesn’t mean “no effect.”
It’s essential to educate ourselves about the full scope, including adverse effects, to utilize any herbal remedy responsibly.
So, here we will see whether lemon balm tea can have any negative effects on the body.
What is Lemon Balm Tea?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) belongs to the mint family and has been historically used for over 2000 years for its calming effects.
The tea is derived from the leaves and acts through several compounds, including its volatile oils (citronellal), phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid), and flavonoids. These compounds are responsible for their well-known aroma and actions.
A Brief Glimpse at Lemon Balm Tea Benefits
While we look for side effects, let’s first delve into the reasons for which the lemon balm tea is famous. Traditionally, it has been known for the following uses:
- Reducing stress and anxiety.
- Improving sleep quality, especially when combined with other herbs like valerian.
- Calming digestive upset, such as discomfort from bloating and gas.
- Helping heals cold sores when applied topically due to its antiviral properties.
- It may enhance cognitive function and mood.
The above benefits sure sound wonderful, but our primary concern is the cautions.
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Possible Side Effects of Lemon Balm Tea
Despite its mild reputation, lemon balm tea is not totally without side effects, especially in excessive doses, for sensitive individuals or those with pre-existing health conditions.
1. Common and Milder Discomforts:
Some individuals might experience:
- Nausea and rare vomiting
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Infrequent wheezing or increased appetite
Often, these responses are mild and may be reduced by limiting the amount ingested or consuming the tea with food.
2. The Drowsiness Factor:
Lemon balm’s calming nature can lead to:
- Sedation/Drowsiness:
- This is a significant effect for many individuals. You should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you are aware of how lemon balm affects you, most importantly, during the initial uses or at higher doses.
- Decreased Alertness:
- Concentration and reaction times may be hindered.
3. Allergic Reactions (rare, however, possible):
Allergic reactions are infrequent. Symptoms can include:
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
- Oral allergy symptom (tingling in the mouth/throat)
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat (requiring immediate medical attention)
- Difficulty breathing
- Cross-reactivity could occur if you are allergic to certain other plants within the mint family (Lamiaceae).
If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop using it immediately and consult with a physician.
4. Skin Sensitivities (Mainly with Topical Use):
In terms of skin application (e.g., independent topical oils and creams for cold sores):
- Irritation, redness, or itching
- Contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Some advocates suggest a patch test on a small area of skin before topical flourishes everywhere.
5. Gastrointestinal Issues:
It is ironically true that although almost always used for digestion, it may cause stomach upset, particularly in higher doses (or in some individuals when taken on an empty stomach).
Interactions and Specific Conditions
This is an important area of focus with a lot of vigilance:
- Thyroid Function:
- Lemon balm could impair the production of thyroid hormones and the action of thyroid medications (i.e., levothyroxine).
- Since thyroid hormones are important for metabolism and energy balance, any obstruction could be problematic.
- Individuals with thyroid disorders should take it only under medical supervision, especially those with hypothyroidism.
- Test-tube research suggests it can block TSH attachment and can potentially reduce thyroid hormone action.
- Diabetes and Blood Sugar:
- Lemon balm might lower blood sugar levels. If you take diabetes medications (like insulin or oral hypoglycemics), it could increase the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
- Monitor blood sugar closely and consult your doctor, as medication adjustments might be needed.
- Sedatives and Alcohol:
- Combining lemon balm with sedative medications (CNS depressants like barbiturates or benzodiazepines) or alcohol can cause excessive drowsiness, severely impaired coordination, and potentially dangerously slowed breathing.
- Such combinations should be avoided or managed only under medical advice.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
- Due to insufficient reliable safety data, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid lemon balm or use it sparingly only after explicit medical consultation. The potential effects on developing fetuses or infants are not well understood.
- Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure):
- It may lower blood pressure further due to its relaxing effects on blood vessels. Caution is advised for those with hypotension or on blood pressure-lowering medication.
- Glaucoma:
- Some mentions of lemon balm (namely, animal trials with volatile oil or anecdotal reports) suggest it may raise intraocular pressure and, therefore, aggravate glaucoma.
- While there is limited human trial data here, anyone who has glaucoma will want to consult with their ophthalmologist before using it.
- Pre-Surgery:
- Discontinue lemon balm at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery because of its sedative potential, which can interact with anesthesia and other medications used for surgery.
Long-Term Use and Overconsumption:
- Generally considered safe for short-term use (e.g., up to a few months for specific conditions).
- The safety of long-term, continuous daily use is not well established by rigorous scientific research.
- Excessive intake (consistently more than 1-2 cups daily for extended periods) can increase the likelihood and severity of side effects.
- Rarely, withdrawal symptoms like rebound anxiety have been anecdotally reported after stopping prolonged, regular use.
Safe Consumption Tips
- Start Small:
- If you’re new to using lemon balm, a small amount of lemon balm is best (for example, half a cup) so you can assess your body’s subjective reactions.
- Moderation:
- 1-2 cups daily of standard-strength tea is a general recommendation for most adults. Try not to take too much at one time.
- Listen to Your Body:
- Pay very close attention to any adverse reactions. If you have a very unpleasant reaction, lessen the amount you take, stop using it, and if you’re in doubt, consult a professional. Your body typically will give you the best hint.
- Quality Matters:
- Use trusted, high-quality lemon balm tea from reliable food sources, whether loose-leaf or tea bags. This gives you better assurance of purity and less risk of contaminants.
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or certified healthcare practitioner before you use lemon balm tea for a medicinal purpose, especially if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have any pre-existing medical conditions (particularly thyroid disorders, diabetes, glaucoma, or low blood pressure).
- Are you taking any medications (prescription or over the counter).
- They are scheduled for surgery.
- Plan to give it to a child.
Conclusion:
Lemon balm tea can be a delightful herbal friend most of the time, providing calm and comfort. However, do not let its gentle reputation overshadow the right usage.
Knowing its side effects and potential interactions, especially on thyroid health, its sedative effects, and its interactions with other medications, is critical for safe outcomes.
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