Lemon Balm (2011) & Insomnia

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Twenty subjects with mild to moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances were involved in a 15 day study of a Melissa Officinalis extract. Using clinician rating criteria, the treatment reduced anxiety by 18%, anxiety-related symptoms by 15% and lowered insomnia by 42%. This is a good preliminary study showing evidence to continue studying Melissa Officinalis as a treatment for stress related symptoms. Further studies which use blind, balanced controls and placebo groups will strengthen the evidence.

Researchers: Cases J, Ibarra A, Feuillere N, Roller M, Sukkar SG.

Published: Pilot trial of Melissa Officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances, Med J Nutrition Metab. 2011 Dec;4(3):211-218.