Hoping to lower the number on your scale but not ready to try prescription options? If you’re looking for natural ways to boost metabolism and control appetite, you may have heard about lemon balm tea and its potential effects on weight loss—or even flattening the stomach. But what’s fact and what’s fiction?
Does Lemon Balm Promote Weight Loss?
Simply put: maybe, but indirectly.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) isn’t a magic fat burner. However, it can help support weight management in subtle ways. Its calming properties may help your body shift out of “fight-or-flight” mode, which supports hormone balance and blood sugar regulation—both important for weight control.
Drinking lemon balm tea or taking extracts can also improve sleep quality and help manage stress, both of which can reduce the likelihood of weight gain. When sleep is optimized and the body is less reactive to stress, metabolic function improves, hunger hormones stay in balance, insulin sensitivity increases, and fat is more likely to be burned efficiently rather than stored.
Benefits of Lemon Balm
While lemon balm won’t make you lose weight rapidly, it offers several health benefits:
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Decreases inflammation
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Supports the immune system
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Reduces oxidative stress and aging
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Promotes digestive health
Additionally, evidence shows that lemon balm may help reduce mild psychological disturbances, alleviate sleep problems, improve mood, and boost cognitive function.
Better Teas for Weight Loss
If weight loss is your priority, there are other well-researched teas to consider. Green tea is one of the most studied. It contains EGCG, a compound that supports fat oxidation and can slightly boost metabolism. Some studies have shown significant reductions in weight and waist circumference when consumed regularly.
Ginger tea is another option. It may improve digestion, curb appetite, and support gut health, which is key for metabolism and weight regulation.
The Takeaway
Despite popular claims online, lemon balm isn’t a magic solution for weight loss or a flat stomach. However, its calming properties can improve sleep and help manage stress, both of which indirectly support weight management and overall wellness.