Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has a long history of traditional use for alleviating cramps and spasms, particularly those associated with the digestive and menstrual systems. Historical herbal texts from Europe and the Middle East commonly describe lemon balm as a “calming” or “soothing” herb, often used to relieve nervous tension, gastrointestinal discomfort, and menstrual cramps. The plant contains volatile oils such as citral and citronellal, as well as flavonoids and other polyphenols, which are believed to contribute to its muscle-relaxant and antispasmodic effects. However, scientific studies specifically investigating lemon balm’s efficacy for muscle cramps and spasms are limited and generally of low quality. A few small clinical and animal studies suggest that lemon balm extracts may have mild antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle cells, but these findings are preliminary and not widely replicated. Most modern use for cramps and spasms relies on traditional knowledge rather than robust clinical evidence. As such, while lemon balm is commonly used in herbal medicine for this purpose, its effectiveness remains better supported by traditional use than by rigorous scientific validation.

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