Lemon Balm and Hashimoto’s: Is This Calming Herb Safe for Thyroid Support?

    
People adore lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) because it calms them down and helps with anxiety. They commonly drink it as tea or take it as a supplement. But if you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that affects your thyroid, should you be utilizing lemon balm?

This plant has been used for a long time in natural health, but its effects on thyroid function are more complicated.

Disclaimer: This content is meant to be informative and educational only. It is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Table of Content

• What is Lemon Balm?

• Comprehending Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

• Does Lemon Balm Stop the Thyroid from Working?

• Possible Benefits for Hashimoto's

• How to Safely Use Lemon Balm

• Who Should Stay Away From It?

• Conclusion 

What Exactly Is Lemon Balm?

Lemon balm is a mint family herb that smells like lemons. People often use it to settle digestion problems, ease anxiety, and help them sleep. People have used it for a long time for:

• Some tension and trouble sleeping

• Stress and irritation

• Problems with digestion

Rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and essential oils are all found in lemon balm, and they all help it calm down.

Comprehending Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system assaults the thyroid gland, which can cause hypothyroidism. Some of the signs are:

• Tiredness

• Gaining weight

• Sensitivity to cold

• Fog in the brain

• Constipation

Levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone replacement drug, is usually part of the treatment, along with ways to control inflammation.

Can Lemon Balm Stop the Thyroid from Working?

In the past, lemon balm has been said to have minor effects on the thyroid. In vitro studies indicate that it may decrease TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and disrupt iodine uptake in the thyroid.

But there aren't many research on people, and these benefits might not be strong enough to make a big difference, especially when lemon balm is consumed in little amounts like tea or tincture.

In principle, lemon balm may slightly lower thyroid function, but for most individuals, this shouldn't be a big deal if they utilize it correctly.

Potential Benefits for Hashimoto’s

Lemon balm may surprisingly help patients with Hashimoto's in other ways by:

• Lessening anxiety and stress: Long-term stress can make autoimmune activity worse and stop the conversion of thyroid hormones.

• Better sleep: Bad sleep messes your hormone balance and immunological regulation.

• Reducing inflammation: Its antioxidants may help calm down the immune system.

This could be helpful as part of a complete Hashimoto's plan, especially for flares that are caused by stress.

How to Safely Use Lemon Balm

• Tea: Most people can safely drink 1–2 cups of tea a day.

• Tincture: Begin with 1–2 dropperfuls each day.

• Capsules: Follow the instructions on the label, which usually say to take 300–500 mg per dose.

To avoid any possible thyroid suppression, don't take lemon balm too much or on an empty stomach for long periods of time.

Who Should Stay Away From It?

If you: You might want to stay away from or cut back on lemon balm.

• Are not taking thyroid meds and have very low thyroid levels

• Have been told to stay away from herbs that affect iodine

• Take barbiturates, sedatives, or drugs for anxiety or trouble sleeping

If you have thyroid illness or are on hormone therapy, you should always talk to a doctor before using lemon balm.

Conclusion 

People with Hashimoto's can take lemon balm, but they should be careful about how they use it. For a lot of people, it may help them sleep better, lower their stress levels, and enhance their general quality of life, all without hurting their thyroid function.

Are you thinking about using lemon balm to help with stress if you have Hashimoto's? Talk to your doctor first and keep an eye on how you feel. If you use it wisely, it could be a calming part of your wellness routine.

References and Resources