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Lemon Balm and Hypothyroid: What You Should Know Before Using This Calming Herb

by Vorst Canada
Lemon Balm and Hypothyroid: What You Should Know Before Using This Calming Herb

 

People often praise lemon balm for how relaxing and soothing it is. This lemon-scented herb is a must-have for natural health routines. You can drink it in tea or take it as a supplement. If you have hypothyroidism, though, you may have heard different things about how safe it is or what concerns it might pose.

Disclaimer: This content is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Table of Contents

  • What is Lemon Balm?
  • The Basics of Hypothyroidism
  • Lemon Balm’s Traditional Uses and Modern Appeal
  • Why Lemon Balm Raises Thyroid Concerns
  • What the Research Says
  • Should People with Hypothyroidism Use Lemon Balm?
  • Conclusion
  • References and Resources

What is Lemon Balm?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family that has been used in herbal therapy for a long time. It has a strong citrus smell. People have used it for a long time to help with nervous tension, sleep, and digestion. It's common to find it in herbal teas, tinctures, or pills that are sold to help with stress or sleep.

People who want a natural way to relax often choose it because it is mild. But its effects on the thyroid gland have piqued concern, especially among people with reduced thyroid function.

The Basics of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are important for controlling mood, energy, and metabolism. This underactive thyroid can make you tired, gain weight, have brain fog, dry skin, and be unable to handle the cold, among other things.

People with hypothyroidism often take drugs like levothyroxine to make up for hormones that are missing. So, anything that affects thyroid hormone levels or activity is a cause for concern, including some herbs like lemon balm.

Lemon Balm’s Traditional Uses and Modern Appeal

For hundreds of years, herbalists in Europe and the Middle East have used lemon balm to treat anxiety, insomnia, and even minor stomach problems. It's now commonly used as a natural way to calm people down, help them relax, and get better sleep.

Older literature says that lemon balm might slow down thyroid activity, which is why the herb might impact the thyroid. This theory is based on the idea that it has an "antithyrotropic" action, which means it might stop thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or block thyroid hormone receptors. Even while modern study hasn't strongly supported this, the reputation has stuck around.

Why Lemon Balm Raises Thyroid Concerns

Some laboratory investigations and historical applications associate lemon balm with the inhibition of thyroid activity, especially in the context of hyperthyroidism, which contrasts with hypothyroidism. some have traditionally used it to help calm down hyperactive thyroid glands, which makes some wonder if it would be dangerous for persons with underactive thyroids.

Some in vitro investigations indicate that lemon balm extracts may disrupt thyroid-stimulating hormone binding or inhibit specific enzymes associated with thyroid hormone synthesis. Nonetheless, these benefits have not been unequivocally duplicated in human research, particularly at the low amounts commonly present in teas and mild supplements.

What the Research Says

There is currently no robust clinical evidence indicating that lemon balm is detrimental to individuals with hypothyroidism when consumed in modest quantities. The studies that are available predominantly concentrate on hyperthyroidism models or isolated cells in laboratory settings, rather than on practical, human applications.

Many people with hypothyroidism safely drink lemon balm tea as part of a calming sleep routine. Users commonly say that their sleep gets better and their anxiety goes down, which are two major problems for persons with thyroid difficulties. Stress-induced hypothyroidism may benefit from the soothing effects on the neurological system.

The theoretical concern persists. Thyroid hormone levels are very sensitive and carefully controlled, so even little changes can affect persons who are already dealing with a hormone shortage. This is especially important if you are taking thyroid medicine that your doctor prescribed, because timing and absorption are very important.

Should People with Hypothyroidism Use Lemon Balm?

The main point is that most people with hypothyroidism can safely utilize lemon balm if they do so in moderation and with care. Drinking lemon balm tea before bed probably won't have a big effect on your thyroid function. But taking high-dose extracts or concentrated supplements for a long time may require greater care.

If you're taking thyroid hormone replacement, it's advisable to take your medicine and any herbal products, like lemon balm, at least an hour apart. And if you're thinking of taking lemon balm every day to help with anxiety, mood, or sleep, chat to your doctor first, especially if you've seen any changes in your thyroid labs or symptoms recently.

Everyone's body is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Paying attention to how you feel and going over your test results with your doctor on a regular basis can help you make sure that lemon balm is good for your health and doesn't hurt your thyroid health.

Conclusion

Lemon balm is a soothing, well-liked herb that is known to help people relax. However, if you have hypothyroidism, you should pay attention to how it affects your thyroid. There is no solid proof that lemon balm hurts the thyroid in healthy people or people with hypothyroidism, but people who are undergoing hormone replacement therapy or trying to keep their hormones in balance should be careful.

If you want to add lemon balm to your routine, do it slowly, keep an eye on your symptoms, and talk to your doctor. As with any herbs, it's important to utilize them wisely.

References and Resources

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