10 Benefits of Bee Balm

Posted: 12 Jan 2015 07:00 AM PST

Bee balm is surrounded by many legends, and rightfully so. It's been used for over a thousand years and has earned a reputation for being a potent health-supporting tool. The term 'bee balm' is attributed to its ability to attract bees. The herb is also commonly known as lemon balm. Bee balm is grown around the world and is a staple in many supplemental regimens, and some beauty applications also use the herb for improving the skin's appearance.

The Many Benefits of Bee Balm

While the legends attesting to the item's effect on vigor and longevity have certainly contributed to its popularity, modern scientific studies have only served to reinforce its potency. Here are 10 benefits bee balm users enjoy.

#1. Calms the Mind

Long before today's science, healers would give bee balm to those suffering from anxiety and other nervous disorders. Several recent studies support the supposed relaxing effect on the mind. One placebo-controlled, double-blind study noted significant relaxation in study participants who had taken lemon balm extract. ^[1]

Another recent study from Germany looked at the effect of a lemon balm/valerian root extract on 169 children under 12 with hyperactive behaviors and concentration problems. The children who took the extract showed an incredible improvement, and the children's parents reported substantial improvements in their children's behavior. Only 2 of the children reported mild side effects. ^[2]

#2. Encourages Restful Sleep

Bee balm also encourages a more restful sleep, according to some research. Parents of the children in the German study reported their children slept more peacefully throughout the night after supplementation. A placebo-controlled trial found menopausal women suffering with sleep disruptions reported much better sleep after taking a bee balm/valerian extract compared to those taking the placebo. ^[3]

#3. Makes Skin Look Years Younger

Bee balm is still frequently featured in many cosmetics for its soothing effect on the skin. The first cosmetic use of bee balm goes back to the 1300s when the Queen of Hungary used it to erase the years (and reportedly the wrinkles). It's still recommended for soothing the skin and reducing fine lines.

#4. Boosts Alertness

Although bee balm calms the mind, it certainly doesn't dull the mind. An Australian study noted improved alertness in participants supplementing with the herb in addition to feelings of calm and an improved, more positive mood. ^[4]

#5. Improves Memory and Problem Solving

Studies like the one above have observed improved memory and problem-solving in test subjects regardless of age after taking bee balm. Young or old, those taking bee balm show improvements in problem-solving skills and recall.

Patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease have seen improvements based on several recent studies. In one Chinese study eugenol, a powerful antioxidant found in bee balm, and acupuncture helped test subjects recover memory-related functions. ^[5]

Another study noted bee balm suppresses brain chemical acetylcholinesterase which breaks down the brain-signaling chemical acetylcholine responsible for memory and thought. ^[6] This action helps stimulate and support memory and mood in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

#6. Powerful Antioxidants Protect Cellular Health

Bee balm is loaded with antioxidants that keep your cells safe from free radical damage. Studies on eugenol and rosmarinic acid show they support a healthy brain. Other significant antioxidants include ferulic, caffeic acids, and quercetin. ^[7] Quercetin specifically is known as a powerful anti-inflammatory compound.

#7. Supports the Liver

The liver clears toxins from the body, so keeping it healthy means keeping your entire body healthy. Over time, the process of detoxification can wear down the liver and lead to liver damage. This is especially true if you are eating a diet that is less than ideal. In one trial using animal models, bee balm proved as effective as a liver drug in protecting the organ from the damaging effects caused by toxins. ^[8] It also supports the liver's production of two of the human body's natural antioxidants: glutathione and superoxide dismutase. ^[9]

#8. Lowers Blood Sugar

Many herbs that support antioxidant levels also help balance blood sugar. Although research is limited on bee balm's effect on blood sugar, one study has shown that, when taken consistently, it does stabilize blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance. Based on the research so far, bee balm appears to have a positive influence on blood sugar. ^[10]

#9. Protects Brain Cells from Serious Damage

Beyond the positive effect on memory, thinking, and calmness, research suggests bee balm protects the physical brain from damage. Eugenol neutralizes free radicals before they can attack brain cells. ^[11] Rosmarinic acid, another key compound in bee balm, has shown promise in the treatment of stroke victims. Research with animal models shows that given shortly after a stroke, bee balm appears to protect areas of the brain against damage. ^[12]

#10. Stabilizes an Overactive Thyroid

The calming influence of bee balm works for an overactive thyroid, among other things. It's recommended to take a lemon balm tea to stabilize thyroid function. To make, simply take 2 tbsp of lemon balm and steep in one cup of boiling water. Strain and drink three times daily. While bee balm offers a safe way to slow a hyperactive thyroid, you should consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning an herbal regimen, especially if you have a thyroid disorder.

One Final Thought

Bee balm can be taken as a tea or as a supplement. The most potent dose comes from its extracted form. Whether you choose to take bee balm as a tea or in a supplement, make sure to check the quality of your source. For the best effect, it should be organic.

Have you used bee balm to support memory, skin, alertness, or for any other reason? Share your experience with us!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

Kennedy DO1, Wake G, Savelev S, Tildesley NT, Perry EK, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (M. Officinalis) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2003 Oct;28(10):1871-81.
Gromball J1, Beschorner F2, Wantzen C3, Paulsen U4, Burkart M5. Hyperactivity, concentration difficulties and impulsiveness improve during seven weeks’ treatment with valerian root and lemon balm extracts in primary school children. Phytomedicine. 2014 Jul-Aug;21(8-9):1098-103. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2014.04.004.
Taavoni S1, Nazem Ekbatani N, Haghani H. Valerian/lemon balm use for sleep disorders during menopause. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2013 Nov;19(4):193-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.07.002.
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Ali Zarei,1 Saeed Changizi Ashtiyani,2,* Soheila Taheri,3 and Fateme Rasekh4. Comparison between effects of different doses of Melissa officinalis and atorvastatin on the activity of liver enzymes in hypercholesterolemia rats. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014 Jan-Feb; 4(1): 15?23.
Zeraatpishe A1, Oryan S, Bagheri MH, Pilevarian AA, Malekirad AA, Baeeri M, Abdollahi M. Effects of Melissa officinalis L. on oxidative status and DNA damage in subjects exposed to long-term low-dose ionizing radiation. Toxicol Ind Health. 2011 Apr;27(3):205-12. doi: 10.1177/0748233710383889.
Weidner C1, Wowro SJ, Freiwald A, Kodelja V, Abdel-Aziz H, Kelber O, Sauer S. Lemon balm extract causes potent antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects in insulin-resistant obese mice. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2014 Apr;58(4):903-7. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201300477.
Nagababu E1, Rifkind JM, Boindala S, Nakka L. Assessment of antioxidant activity of eugenol in vitro and in vivo. Methods Mol Biol. 2010;610:165-80. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60327-029-8_10.
Luan H1, Kan Z, Xu Y, Lv C, Jiang W. Rosmarinic acid protects against experimental diabetes with cerebral ischemia: relation to inflammation response. J Neuroinflammation. 2013 Feb 17;10:28. doi: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-28.

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