Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family, and has traditionally been referred to as “the calming herb.” Lemon Balm is used to relieve:

• Tension and nervous agitation caused by occasional anxiety and related overactive behavior
• Mild to moderate mood changes associated with everyday stress
• Healthy cognitive function such as memory, attention span and mental sharpness
• Sleep difficulties caused by restlessness or nervousness

In the United States, Lemon Balm is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration. Substances that receive a GRAS classification have maintained a long, safe history of common use in foods or have been determined to be safe based on proven scientific research.

Recent analysis has determined that the pleasant-smelling essential oils derived from Lemon Balm contain many compounds that appear to be responsible for its emotional and neurological health benefits. These compounds are:

• Flavonoids
• Phenolic Acids

Although the precise mechanism of action is not clearly understood, numerous clinical trials suggest that Lemon Balm promotes relaxation, soothes tension and helps to relieve occasional anxiety and related overactive behavior. Additional studies have reported that Lemon Balm helps to support mental performance, accuracy, attention span and working memory.

Lemon Balm maintains an excellent safety profile when it is used as directed. In the United States, Lemon Balm is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration. Substances that receive a GRAS classification have maintained a long, safe history of common use in foods or have been determined to be safe based on proven scientific research.

In children between the ages of seven and 13, a dose of 25 to 125 milligrams is recommended for the relief of tension and nervous agitation caused by occasional anxiety and other overactive behavior, mild to moderate mood swings associated with everyday stress and lack of focus or mental sharpness. Higher doses are recommended for occasional sleep difficulty caused by restlessness or nervousness. In adults, studies have shown that a dose of between 100 and 600 milligrams per day promotes relaxation, emotional balance and mental sharpness.

Side effects are rare and have been documented as mild to moderate in clinical study. They may include headache, gastrointestinal discomfort, drowsiness and sleep difficulty. In the event that you or your child experiences an adverse reaction, discontinue use of this herb. Lemon Balm does not cause withdrawal or discontinuation effects.

Lemon Balm is generally well tolerated when used by children between the ages of seven and 13. Because each child is different, Lemon Balm should not be administered without the supervision of a professional healthcare provider.

Taking Lemon Balm in combination with prescription medications such as benzodiazepines, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), or SNRIs (serotonin-norephinephrine reuptake inhibitors) may cause drowsiness. If you or your child is taking a prescription medication, it is recommended that you consult with your prescribing doctor before making any changes or additions to a current treatment plan.

Consult with your healthcare provider before beginning a wellness plan that includes dietary supplements like Lemon Balm.

• Do not take Lemon Balm if you are pregnant or nursing
• Do not take Lemon Balm if you are currently taking a prescription MAOI
• Do not take Lemon Balm if you are currently taking a protease inhibitor for HIV/AIDS
• Do not operate vehicles or heavy machinery until you know how Lemon Balm affects you