What is Lemon Balm Extract?
 
Lemon balm extract originates from the Melissa officinalis plant, or more commonly known as the balm mint plant. Melissa officinalis is related to the mint plant and grows in all parts of the globe. One of the first known lemon balm uses was in Hellenic Greece. It was used as a tonic and later used in Europe during the middle ages. During this period the tonic was made from the Lemon balm plant and used as an elixir that people would apply to flesh wounds or took for headaches and fevers.
 
One of the more traditional lemon balm extract uses was to brew a tea for a calming sensation. Lemon balm extract provides a concentrated form of melissa officinalis, thus offering a wide range of potential lemon balm benefits.
 
Lemon Balm Extract Uses and Benefits
 
May help support healthy sleep
May help promote relaxation
May help support cognitive function
May help support healthy skin
 
Lemon Balm Benefits for Mood
 
Most lemon balm benefits are attributed to the way it interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid, also known as GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter that’s responsible for regulating excited neurons in the nervous system, it’s also known as the brain’s main response to stress. GABA opens up easy communication between the nerves and the brain in mentally or physically stressful conditions. Rather than using a GABA supplement, lemon balm extract regulates a compound that blocks GABA known as GABA transaminase.
 
However, there are more lemon balm extract uses beyond lemon balm benefits for stress. Research on lemon balm found that lemon balm extract may promote nerve and muscle relaxation. Eugenol is a compound that exists in lemon balm and has demonstrated potential to  relax muscle tissue. This may be why drinking lemon balm tea after a workout helps promote muscle relaxation.
 
Lemon Balm Benefits to Cognitive Health
 
Historically, people have used lemon balm for sleep. Studies on lemon balm tea, lemon balm extract and lemon balm oil have yet to see firm conclusions of lemon balm benefits for sleep. Some research has pointed us to organic compounds within lemon balm extract known as terpenes that help promote the soothing feeling of lemon balm. These terpenes mixed with GABA’s potential to relax the brain before sleep are believed to be the keys to how lemon balm effects relaxation and sleep promotion. Studies also seem to suggest that lemon balm extract can potentially support concentration and focus as well as overall cognition. Some studies show these lemon balm cognitive benefits as a result of lemon balm’s interaction with acetylcholine receptors. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that has a significant role in the brain, particularly in verbal reasoning, memory formation, and concentration.