Stomach issues are never fun to deal with. Whether you’re nauseous, bloated, gassy, or in pain, these problems make it difficult to get through your day. Though several medications are available to combat discomfort, some prefer a natural remedy. Lemon balm is a common choice for gastrointestinal symptoms since it alleviates inflammation, bloating, and several other concerns.

Lemon balm isn’t just for digestion issues, though. It’s known for its calming effects and is often recommended to alleviate the symptoms of neurological conditions. It relaxes the mind and body, reducing anxiety, depression, and nervousness, and helps you sleep at night. Be sure to speak with your doctor to ensure lemon balm is the best remedy for you.

Fresh lemon balm leaves used as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort, known for their soothing and digestive health benefits.

Lemon Balm and Gastrointestinal Issues

Lemon balm is an aromatic substance extracted from the leaves of Melissa Officinalis, creating several oils with many healing properties. It’s traditionally used for its calming effects, but it’s also known to aid with digestive complications. Let’s take a look at the most common gastric uses for this handy substance.

Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation in the digestive tract has several causes. Injuries to the area introduce pathogens or irritants to the area or damage cells, resulting in swelling. A poor diet lacking proper nutrients also alters your gut microbiome, reducing healthy flora and increasing damaging bacteria. If uncorrected, these issues often result in gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or infectious gastroenteritis.

To avoid these gastrointestinal complications, experts may recommend lemon balm. Studies show it contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties3. It also includes antioxidants and antimicrobials that protect the delicate microbiome from harmful pathogens. Lemon balm comes in many forms, including teas and supplements, and can be combined with other herbs for additional benefits.

Anti-bloating

Bloating results from too much gas in the digestive tract, causing increased pressure, swelling, and pain. It’s common when something you eat doesn’t agree with you, including fatty foods, sugary treats, or gluten. Other causes include heartburn, altered gastrointestinal bacteria, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation. It may even occur when you’re anxious, stressed, or depressed.

Though changing your diet often reduces gastrointestinal distress, lemon balm is another possible solution. It contains several healthy properties that reduce bloating and improve digestion. Of course, it won’t solve all your tummy troubles and is best used on mild issues. For chronic problems, speak to your doctor to confirm the best treatment.

Calming

Your mind and body are connected in ways you may not realize. For instance, when you’re anxious or stressed, tense muscles and racing thoughts aren’t the only reactions. Your stomach also reacts in several ways, including cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite. The longer your anxiety lasts, the worse these symptoms become, risking chronic gastrointestinal conditions.

Luckily, lemon balm is well-known for its calming effects. Experts believe it raises the levels of the gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms the mind, reducing anxiety. As your stress levels decrease, your stomach relaxes, reducing those uncomfortable symptoms. Combining the herbal remedy with exercise, yoga, or other relaxing habits improves the results.

Resources:

  1. NCBI, Feb. 10, 2024, Lemon Balm
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK600583/
  2. PubMed Central, Dec. 28, 2016, Gastrointestinal Inflammation and Repair: Role of Microbiome, Infection, and Nutrition
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5225330/
  3. PubMed Central, Oct. 18, 2024, Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Lemon Balm
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11510126/#B8-nutrients-16-03545
  4. Institute for Natural Medicine, Nov. 28, 2023, The Best Natural Remedies for Bloating
    https://naturemed.org/the-best-natural-remedies-for-bloating/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-4
  5. ADAA, July 19, 2018, How to Calm an Anxious Stomach: The Brain-Gut Connection
    https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/how-calm-anxious-stomach-brain-gut-connection
  6. Cleveland Clinic, March 7, 2025, What is Lemon Balm Good For?
    https://health.clevelandclinic.org/lemon-balm-benefits
This content comprises informative and educational resources only and can not be considered as a substitute for professional health or medical guidance. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. If you have any inquiries or apprehensions about your medical condition or health goals, talk with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.