The benefits of L-Theanine and Lemon Balm
L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid that is essentially found in green and black tea and some mushrooms. It's also available as a pill or tablet. L-theanine, which is commonly found in tea, is an amino acid that has been shown to aid in relaxation in the body. It is not a sedative and can be consumed without causing drowsiness.
L-theanine promotes relaxation and sleep by facilitating several brain changes. L-theanine has been shown in animal studies to increase the neurotransmitters gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and serotonin, which regulate mood, emotion, and sleep. L-theanine may aid sleep in humans by increasing these calming brain chemicals. L-theanine also reduces the amount of 'excitatory' neurotransmitters in the body. These brain chemicals are frequently linked to stress and feelings of overwhelm. When there is an excess in the body, you may experience anxiety and nervousness, which may prevent you from getting a good night of sleep.
Benefits of L-Theanine
Finer mental focus
Many people believe that drinking black or green tea at work improves their mental focus. The researchers discovered that people who took 100 milligrams (mg) of L-theanine performed better on an attention task than those who took a placebo. People's focus improved when they consumed 50 mg of caffeine or combined L-theanine and caffeine. More research is needed to determine how L-theanine affects attention and focus.
Better sleep cycle
Several studies have suggested that L-theanine may help people relax before going to bed, fall asleep more quickly, and sleep more deeply. These advantages could be attributed to the amino acid's specific effects on brain chemicals involved in sleep. A 2018 study discovered that taking 450–900 mg of L-theanine daily for eight weeks resulted in increased sleep satisfaction. Participants in the study had generalized anxiety disorder and were taking antidepressants. According to the authors, there were no reported improvements in anxiety or insomnia severity.
Increased cognitive performance
Researchers reviewed existing research on the benefits of L-theanine in 2016 and concluded that this compound could benefit both mental and physical health. According to the researchers, it appears to have neuroprotective effects, which improve brain function. L-theanine may improve a person's attention and reaction times on its own. It may improve their number skills and alertness when combined with caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant to assist people in remaining alert and focused. However, not all studies have found that L-theanine improves cognitive abilities. More high-quality research is needed to determine the effects of this compound on people's mental functions.
Reducing blood pressure
According to research, high blood pressure has been linked to an increased risk of several health problems, including heart attack and stroke. L-theanine may help reduce stress, and stress reduction and relaxation can lower heart rate. As a result, blood pressure may be reduced.
L-theanine effectively induces relaxation when combined with cancer drugs (doxorubicin). However, more research in this area is required.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb related to mint. Although the herb is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, it is now grown worldwide. Lemon balm is a mint-family herb that has long been used to help with cognitive and mood function. Lemon balm is widely recognized as having sleep-promoting properties due to its ability to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress.
In a preliminary study, researchers discovered that lemon balm promoted GABA production, a neurotransmitter that helps to control the body's response to stress. This study supported the findings of a previous double-blind, placebo-controlled study that found lemon balm reduced laboratory-induced psychological stress. Subjects who were given lemon balm reported feeling more relaxed.
Benefits of Lemon Balm
Relieving stress
Lemon balm is said to soothe stress symptoms, help you relax, and boost your mood. A study found that taking lemon balm eased the adverse mood effects of laboratory-induced psychological stress. Participants who took lemon balm reported an increased sense of calm and reduced alertness feeling. Although this was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, it had a small sample size of 18 people. Further research is needed to elaborate on these findings.
Reducing anxiety
Lemon balm can also alleviate anxiety symptoms such as nervousness and excitability. Lemon balm-containing foods were studied for their mood and cognitive effects in a 2014 study. The supplement was combined with either natural or artificial sweeteners and mixed into a beverage and yoghurt. Both groups' participants reported positive effects on various aspects of mood, including lower levels of anxiety. Although this is encouraging, more research is required to determine its true efficacy.
Enhancing cognitive function
In 2014, the same study looked at the effects of lemon balm on cognitive function. Cognitive tasks involving memory, mathematics, and concentration were assigned to participants. The results of these computerized tasks indicate that participants who consumed lemon balm outperformed those who did not. Although these participants experienced an increase in alertness and performance, fatigue could still set in over time when the lemon balm is combined with food. Its absorption rate changes, which may affect its efficacy. More research is required.
Treatment of cold sores
You can even apply lemon balm topically to a cold sore at the first sign of it. In a 1999 study, participants applied either a lemon balm or a placebo cream to the affected area four times per day for five days. The researchers discovered that those who used the lemon balm cream had fewer symptoms and healed faster than those who did not. The researchers also proposed that using lemon balm cream may help to extend the time between cold sore outbreaks. More research is needed to expand on these findings.
Relieving indigestion
If you have frequent abdominal pain and discomfort, lemon balm may help your digestion. In 2010, a small study looked at the effects of a cold dessert containing lemon balm on functional dyspepsia. Following a meal, participants ate a sorbet with or without the herb. Although both types of desserts reduced the severity and frequency of the symptoms, the lemon balm dessert amplified this effect. More investigation is required.
Treatment of nausea
Because of its potential impact on your digestive system, Lemon balm may also help relieve nausea. A 2005 review of the findings of several studies on lemon balm found the herb to be effective in treating gastrointestinal symptoms like this. Although this is a promising development, it is critical to acknowledge the study's limitations. Many of the studies focused on lemon balm when combined with other herbs. More research is required to determine the efficacy of lemon balm alone.
Listed side effects of Lemon balm include headache, painful urination, increased body temperature, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, wheezing and possible allergic reaction. Side effects can be minimized by taking lemon balm alongside food and consuming less than 2 grams per day.
Several studies have shown that combining lemon balm with other calming herbs, such as valerian or L-theanine, may promote quality sleep. For example, in a study of children with sleep problems, researchers discovered that combining valerian and lemon balm resulted in a 70 to 80% improvement in symptoms. L-theanine and lemon balm, when combined, can be a potent anti-stress and anti-anxiety remedy. These two natural agents prepare the body for restful sleep by promoting calm and relaxation.
L-theanine and lemon balm, when combined, are effective herbs for reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality. Both are found in the Viridian L-Theanine (200mg) and Lemon Balm 30 Vegetarian Capsules. Take one capsule 1-2 times per day as a food supplement or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.