Although lemon balm has been recognized by the European Medicines Agency as a traditional herbal medicinal for digestion,[1] there isn’t much human research into this use.[2] Most studies have focused on lemon balm in combination with several other herbs. A 2019 in vitro study of lemon balm extract on mouse digestive system tissue (outside the mouse) found that lemon balm extract had a spasmolytic (muscle-relaxing) effect,[2] which is in line with lemon balm’s traditional use as a digestive aid; however, much more research is needed into lemon balm’s effect on the human digestive system.
References
- ^Assessment report on Melissa officinalis L., folium. European Medicines Agency.(2013)
- ^Aubert P, Guinobert I, Blondeau C, Bardot V, Ripoche I, Chalard P, Neunlist MBasal and Spasmolytic Effects of a Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Melissa officinalis L. on Intestinal Motility: An Ex Vivo Study.J Med Food.(2019 Jul)