The essential oil of lemon balm leaves has a calming and antispasmodic effect. The appetite-increasing effect of the drug is achieved via the bitter substances, which stimulate the production of gastric and bile juices.
The antiviral properties are attributed to the flavonoids, among others. In addition, rosmarinic acid is believed to bind to certain viral proteins on the cell surface, preventing the uptake of viral components into the cell.
According to observations, aqueous extracts of lemon balm leaves further show anti-hormonal effects and inhibitory effects on the thyroid gland.
Lemon balm: Interactions and side effects
When taking lemon balm preparations professionally, side effects are not to be expected. Only at extremely high concentrations, the ability to react may theoretically decrease and thus the ability to actively participate in traffic or operate machinery may be impaired.
Currently, neither interactions with other agents nor contraindications for lemon balm leaves are known.