Lemon Balm Uses and Effect on Sleeping

The use of lemon balm has grown in popularity over the years as a useful sleeping aid and when taken before bedtime, this natural supplement can help you to get to sleep faster and stay asleep for longer.
Lemon balm is actually a herb which is related to mint and is native to certain parts of Europe. The plant grows up to 2 feet high and can sometimes grow higher. In the spring time, some light yellow flowers start to grow next to the leaves which look allot like mint leaves. If you were to smell the plant closely, it will have a lemony citrus type smell to it.

Lemon balm can help to promote sleep and if it is used with other known sleeping herbs, the effect can be much greater than taken on it's own. When combined with valerian, 5htp, melatonin or hops, this herb can have a greater effect on sleep and can help the other ingredients to work better. The mild sedative action of lemon balm is good for people who suffer from a lack of sleep and doesn't have the nasty side effects that some prescription medicines have.

Lemon Balm Uses on Anxiety

Another use for lemon balm is to help with the symptoms of anxiety, as the herb has a mild calming action, which can help ease those anxious feelings. Lemon balm is known as a nerve tonic to help sooth the nervous system and also is a mild sedative, which can be great for sleeping problems. Although, lemon balm is no where near as strong as medications for the relief of anxiety, it lacks in any of the nasty side effects, because it is an all natural herb.

Another great thing about this herb is it can help to relieve stomach problems, as it has an antispasmodic action on the digestive system and this can be very good for those who get the anxious feelings in the stomach. Lemon balm has also been known to help people with high blood pressure as the herb can have a relaxing effect on the blood vessels.

Lemon Balm Side Effects and Safety

The most common side effect from the use of lemon balm is - drowsiness and this can be a great side effect, because most people take this herb to try and get better sleep.

Limiting your alcohol intake is advised whilst taking lemon balm, as the effects of drowsiness can be increased and it wouldn't be recommended to take before you are about to be performing any tasks that require you to be mentally alert, such as driving or operating machinery.
It is also not recommended to mix this herb with any prescription medications as the effects that they could have by combining them together are unknown.

Taking more than the recommended dosage of lemon balm can cause unwanted side effects such as headaches stomach upset and can actually cause a lack of sleep if too much is taken, so it is important to not take too much.