Lemon Balm for Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism
by Svetla Bankova
As you probably would agree with me- treating Graves’ Disease or Hyperthyroidism will involve not only psychological and physical efforts, but also you’ll have to watch out what you eat and drink.
One of the most safety herbs that I used in my personal treatment is Lemon Balm.
I remember this herb since my childhood when it was growing almost everywhere in our garden. As children, we used it to treat insect bites and to chew it for fresh smell. Later on I found that this easy to grow herb can be used for many other purposes and I used it as a relaxation tea when fighting my Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism.
It was also used by our mothers to make tea for us when we were too overwhelmed, anxious and over-reacting, so I know it is safe.
Lemon balm is frequently used also as an attractive edible garnish, and it can be made into a tea. The leaves give off a delightful lemony aroma when they are crushed or torn before the flowers appear, but the taste and odor are altered after flowering.
I used it also as a remedy for insomnia or for digestive discomfort and gas.
Lemon balm fro Graves’ Disease is taken internally (usually as a tea) primarily for relaxation. Thus, The PDR for Herbal Medicines declares it is used for “nervous agitation, sleeping problems, and functional gastrointestinal complaints. “Functional” problems are those attributed in part to psychological factors such as stress.
The tea is made by pouring 1 cup of hot water over 2 g (about 2 teaspoons) of dried leaf, steeping five to ten minutes, and straining.
Two to three cups daily are usually consumed, and there is no limit on the duration of treatment. You an also drink it cold, refrigerated, if you prefer.
Lemon balm lowers the thyroid levels and has been used to treat Graves’ disease. Rosmarinic acid in lemon balm apparently binds to thyrotropin (TSH)and keeps it from connecting with the gland. This action is relatively weak, but I guarantee you that will calm you down, will help your insomnia and reduce your stress. And it’s harmless.
Lemon balm is included in my favorite recipe for Graves’ Disease Tea, included in my book “Life Manual for Graves Disease and Hyperthyroidism”.
Here is also a short recipe from a client, her name is Dalia and she was so nice to share that with me. Her thing is called “Tinctura of 3 herbs” and she says her TSH went to normal for just a few months while taking this tincture half a tea spoon 3 times daily. So this is how you make it:
You mix equal quantities of:
1. Melissa (Lemon Balm)
2. Lycopus (Buggleweed)
3. Iris
I haven’t tried that, because I was already cured when I received that in the email, but if in any doubt, consult a herbalist.
More alternative methods and herbal cures you can find in my book “Life Manual for Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism”.