New Chapter Lemon Balm Force [Review] – Benefits, Side Effects & How to Take

New Chapter Lemon Balm Force is a dietary supplement designed to relieve stress in cases of insomnia and restlessness.

This supplement is purported to support a healthy mood, mental alertness and focus. It is also used to promote calm and well-being, acts as an antioxidant to protect against oxidative stress and may support immune function.

According to the manufacturer, “Lemon Balm is traditionally used in herbal medicine as a sleep aid [and] is also used traditionally to relieve indigestion and other digestive disturbances.” [2]

This Full-Spectrum Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) extract provides 200 mg of a 5:1 QCE hydroethanolic extract and 100 mg of a 4.65:1 QCE supercritical extract.

The New Chapter Lemon Balm Force supplement is formulated with “the wisdom of whole food” and contains the full range of beneficial compounds found in this herb, as opposed to isolating for specific active alkaloids. [1]

Lemon Balm

Herbal Supplement

Mood

Sleep

Stress

How It Works:

• Helps to support a positive mood
• Promotes healthy sleep patterns
• Alleviates stress and boosts relaxation

Dosage:

Between 1.5 - 4.5 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

Top Lemon Balm Products* ❯

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New Chapter Lemon Balm Force Review

Lemon Balm Force is a well-regarded full spectrum extract from the Melissa officinalis.

This herb has a long history of use in traditional medicine practices for mood, sleep disorders and mental function.

The Lemon Balm herb is native to southern Europe. Historically, it was brewed into a tea and the oil of the herb was used as a “cure-all” in a number of cultures.

As a dietary supplement, it is used to address feelings of anxiousness, restlessness, difficulty falling asleep as well as hyperactivity and inattention.

There is significant research into the potential health benefits of this herb. It has been studied in patients with insomnia, stress, anxiety, colic, dyspepsia, dementia, and as a lip balm in patients with Herpes simplex virus (HSV). [3]

It has also been studied in combination with Valerian Root Extract and Passionflower for the improvement of symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with somatization disorder.

According to New Chapter, their Lemon Balm extract supplement is “rapidly available for absorption, delivered in an improved capsule that is Non-GMO & sustainably sourced.” [1]

This product is also 100% vegetarian friendly, certified gluten-free, dairy free, soy free and contains no synthetic fillers, artificial flavors or colors.

What makes this supplement distinct from other generic forms of lemon balm capsules is the concentration of the extracts used in the formation.

The manufacturer states that with the Lemon Balm Force product, “The full spectrum of beneficial constituents found in Lemon Balm is delivered through a supercritical extraction process, using natural carbon dioxide to gently concentrate delicate plant compounds and beneficial oils.” [1]

Health Benefits

Based on user reviews, some of the most common reasons for taking this supplement include improved sleep quality, better mood balance and support for mental focus and concentration.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates Lemon Balm extract as Possibly Effective for anxiety relief, nervousness, excitability and emotional regulation. [3]

In one research study, a standardized lemon balm extract sold under the brand name Cyracos was shown to reduce anxiety-associated symptoms and manifestations in patients diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. [4]

Other studies have shown it can improve stress and reduce anxious behaviours in healthy adults and children. In one study, a single 600 mg dose was found to increase calmness and mental alertness in adults undergoing a stress test. [5]

This supplement is also rated as Possibly Effective for Insomnia. In multiple studies, use of this herbal extract at 80 dosages with 160mg of Valerian root extract (Euvegal forte) has been shown to improve sleep quality and quantity in healthy people and in patients with sleep disorders. [3]

It also appears to be effective when combined with Valerian, Hops and Motherwort. Studies show that low daily dosages do not significantly improve sleep disorders.

Several studies have also shown that Lemon Balm extract can improve agitation and some facets of cognitive function in patients with dementia and mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. One study involving a standardized oral extract of the herb taken daily for 4 months reported significant improvements. [3]

Note that the FDA has not approved Lemon Balm as a drug for the treatment of any medical conditions. More research is needed to evaluate clinical efficacy.

User Reviews

User reviews of Lemon Balm Force by New Chapter posted online are generally positive. This is one of the top-rated lemon balm extract supplements at several internet health vendors.

One 5-star review posted on Pharmaca comes from Suzette Poon who says that giving this supplement to her special needs son seemed to produce a positive effect. She wrote that it “Seem to help to take the edge off his anxiety and irritability.” [6]

Another reviewer on iHerb wrote that “New Chapter’s Lemon Balm helps calm my colitis and my mind at night.” [7]

A third reviewer gave the product a 4 out of 5-star review and said that it ” Lifts mood, but i need 2 atleast. Try intentionally “forcing” yourself to think positive. Thats actually more effective than any drug out there..” [7]

A fourth reviewer posted that they “didn’t notice any calming effect at all” and gave the product a 2 out of 5-star review. [7]

How to Take

Lemon Balm Force contains the equivalent of 1,465 mg of raw lemon balm in a single capsule. It is formulated with concentrated hydroethanolic and supercritical CO2 extracts, meaning that a lower dosage is required to achieve beneficial effects. [1]

The recommended dosage of this supplement is one capsule one time per day. If using as a sleep aid, it is commonly taken 1 hour to 30 minutes prior to bedtime.

Some sources recommend taking this product with food. This may not be necessary for everyone, but if you experience gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or stomach upset then taking it with a meal may help to alleviate these symtpoms.

Negative Side Effects

According to the Natural Medicines Database, Lemon Balm extract is rated as Likely Safe when taken at dosages commonly found in foods. This herb has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status under the FDA in the United States.

NMCD states that when used orally at higher dosages for short periods of time, it is rated as Possibly Safe. When taken appropriately, it has been used with apparent safety for up to 4 months at a time.

While this supplement is well-tolerated by the majority of users, some people do experience minor adverse effects. The most common side effects from using a Lemon Balm supplement include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Excessive Sedation
• Dizziness
• Wheezing

Use of New Chapter’s Lemon Balm Force may interact with certain drugs or supplements. Do not combine this herbal product with drugs used to treat depression, anxiety or insomnia without first consulting with a doctor.

Do not drink alcohol when using Lemon Balm extract as this herb may amplify the intoxicating effects. Use of this supplement with other GABAergic agents may cause excessive sedation or tranquilizing effects.

Before taking Lemon Balm Force, it is recommended to check with a doctor to make sure this product is appropriate for you.

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