Lemon Balm for Hyperthyroidism: Can This Calming Herb Help Balance Your Thyroid?

 

When you have hyperthyroidism, it can feel like your body is going too fast. Your thoughts race, you have too much energy, and your heart won't slow down. Most of the time, people need medical help to deal with this disease, but many also look for natural ways to relieve symptoms. Lemon balm is a herb that people are still interested in. It is a mild plant that may help those with an overactive thyroid feel calmer.

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?
• Hyperthyroidism: A Quick Refresher
• How Lemon Balm Might Help
• What the Research Says
• How to Use Lemon Balm Safely
• Conclusion
• References and Resources

What Is Lemon Balm?

Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, is a citrus-scented plant that has been utilized in herbal traditions for hundreds of years. Lemon balm is known for its relaxing effects, which are nearly like those of a sedative. It has long been linked to improved sleep, less worry, and comfort in the stomach. People often drink it as a tea or tincture to help them relax, but it also has active ingredients that may affect how the thyroid works, especially in people with hyperthyroidism.

Understanding Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. This can cause a lot of different symptoms that can impact the whole body. People commonly say they have a fast heartbeat, difficulties sleeping, anxiety, weight loss that can't be explained, and trouble with heat. Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that makes the thyroid work too hard, is the most prevalent cause. Methimazole and other pharmaceuticals are the major ways to manage the condition, but many people also look for softer ways to feel more balanced, especially when symptoms like anxiety and restlessness take over their everyday lives.

Can Lemon Balm Help?

Lemon balm is important in the setting of hyperthyroidism because it may affect thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and its receptors. Early lab studies have shown that lemon balm may assist stop TSH from attaching to receptors on thyroid cells, which means it may work as a modest natural suppressor. In principle, this could lower the amount of extra thyroid hormones made. Nonetheless, the majority of this research is in its early stages and has been conducted in vitro or using animal models.

In general, the most researched effect of lemon balm is that it can relax the nervous system. Anxiety, irritability, and insomnia are among of the most annoying symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Many people find that lemon balm tea or pills help them feel more stable. It doesn't take the place of prescription drugs, but it could help with care, especially if you use it carefully and with the help of a doctor.

People are also interested in lemon balm's possible immune-modulating effects, which could help with autoimmune diseases like Graves' disease. The research here isn't very strong, but the herb's soothing nature makes it a good choice for long-term calming assistance without the unpleasant side effects of stronger sedatives or drugs.

What the Research Suggests

There is insufficient human research on lemon balm for thyroid disorders particularly, although early findings are promising. Research done in a lab has demonstrated that some substances in lemon balm can stop TSH from connecting to its receptors. This suggests a strategy to lower the amount of thyroid hormone that is made. Some researchers think this could help with Graves' disease, but more tests on people are needed to make sure it is safe and works in this case.

There is more solid proof that lemon balm can help with sleep and lower anxiety. In a tiny research, people who took lemon balm said they were much less restless and slept better within a week. These soothing properties are not limited to the thyroid, which may make lemon balm a great herb for those with an overactive thyroid who want to feel better generally.

How to Use Lemon Balm Safely

You can get lemon balm as tea, tincture, pill, or even essential oil for aromatherapy. Tea is the most classic and mild choice. A lot of folks start with one or two cups a day to see how their body reacts. Capsules or tinctures may be better for a stronger effect, especially if you take them with the help of a naturopath or herbalist.

People with borderline thyroid problems or who are taking prescription drugs should be careful with lemon balm because it may slightly lower thyroid function. It's recommended to start with a low dose and keep an eye on how your energy, mood, and heart rate change. Also, unless a doctor is watching, it's best not to mix lemon balm with other sedatives or heavy dosages of thyroid-lowering medications.

If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a complicated thyroid issue, you should talk to your doctor before using lemon balm. Even though it's a mild herb, there is always a chance of interactions when hormones and the immune system are involved.

Conclusion

Lemon balm won't cure hyperthyroidism, but it might help with symptoms including anxiety, restlessness, and difficulties sleeping. There is still a lot of research to be done on this topic, but it may possibly be able to slow down too much thyroid activity. If you want to take a more holistic approach to your thyroid health, lemon balm might be a good addition to your regimen, especially if you also get medical treatment and keep an eye on your health.

If you want to add lemon balm to your wellness plan, start slowly, pay attention, and always talk to your doctor. Our blog has articles that might interest you if you want to learn more about natural approaches to help your thyroid. Check out this article on "Ashwagandha and Thyroid Function.

References and Resources

1. Hashimoto’s disease - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic. (2025, April 30). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hashimotos-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20351855

2. LEMON BALM: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-437/lemon-balm

3. Hobbs, H. (2024b, October 2). Health benefits of lemon balm. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/lemon-balm-uses

4. Rd, J. K. M. (2020, December 23). Supplements and thyroid health: What to know. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/thyroid-vitamins

5. Kennedy, D. O., Wake, G., Savelev, S., Tildesley, N. T. J., Perry, E. K., Wesnes, K. A., & Scholey, A. B. (2003). Modulation of Mood and Cognitive Performance Following Acute Administration of Single Doses of Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) with Human CNS Nicotinic and Muscarinic Receptor-Binding Properties. Neuropsychopharmacology, 28(10), 1871–1881. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1300230