27/06/2025
Lemon Balm and Fennel Helping Post Menopausal Women With Sleep Disorders
A recent double placebo clinical trial in Iran found a combination of Lemon Balm (Melissa officianalis) and Fennel(Foeniculum vulgaris) had a significantly positive effect in improving sleep disorders for post menopausal women. After 8 weeks , the women taking the lemon balm/fennel herbal had significantly better results than those in the placebo group or those taking citalpram. No adverse effects were reported in the herbal extract group, while there were 2 reports of nausea and headache for those taking citalopram.
Poor sleep patterns can be exacerbated by the night sweats, palpitations, increased pain perception and other physical and psychological factors for these women, so anything that can bring relief would be very welcome. But poor sleep can affect anyone at any life stage, and I do use lemon balm for this......it's great for rebuilding the nerve system. I also add vervain and sometimes lavender, but only to those who like the smell of lavender as it is strong when used as a herbal extract. For men in particular, I find a mix of lemon balm with lime flower and magnolia can work really well. It should be noted that none of these herbs are actually sedative... they are relaxants, proving that you don't have to take something strong to improve sleep patterns.
The above mentioned study was reported in Revista Brasileira de Ginelogia e Obstetricia, 43 (2), 126-130. Authors: Shirazi, M., Jalalian, M.N., Abed, M and Ghaemi, M