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“I lost 20 pounds just by drinking lemon balm tea? No way.” That was the reaction Sarah Jenkins, a 42-year-old mother of two, had when she stumbled across a viral TikTok claiming lemon balm could help with weight loss. But after incorporating it into her daily routine for three months, she saw the scale drop from 185 lbs to 165 lbs—without changing much else in her diet. “I didn’t believe it at first, but my bloating reduced, and I felt less stressed. It was like my body was finally working with me, not against me.”
But is lemon balm really a weight loss miracle, or is it just another overhyped trend? Let’s break it down.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb from the mint family, long used for its calming properties. Historically, people have relied on it to reduce anxiety, promote sleep, and improve digestion. But recent studies suggest lemon balm weight loss benefits might be real.
A 2020 study published in the National Library of Medicine found that lemon balm extract (ALS-L1023) significantly reduced fat accumulation in obese mice, helping regulate blood sugar and insulin resistance. Another study showed lemon balm might prevent stress-induced overeating—a major factor in weight gain.
If you’re someone who eats when stressed, lemon balm could be the missing piece in your weight loss puzzle.
Stress triggers cortisol, the hormone responsible for fat storage—especially around the belly. Many turn to comfort food when stressed, making weight loss nearly impossible. Lemon balm has been shown to naturally lower cortisol levels, reducing the urge to stress-eat.
“I used to reach for cookies when anxious, but after drinking lemon balm tea for a month, I noticed my cravings disappeared,” shares Megan White, 37, who lost 15 lbs with lemon balm as part of her routine.
Bloating can make you feel heavier than you actually are. According to a report from WebMD, lemon balm supports gut health, alleviating bloating and indigestion, making you look and feel slimmer.
Blood sugar spikes lead to fat storage. Studies suggest that lemon balm extract can help balance blood sugar, reducing fat accumulation. This means fewer energy crashes, fewer cravings, and a more stable metabolism.
Not everyone is convinced. In an article from Glamour, a writer who drank lemon balm tea for a month reported better sleep but no weight loss. Experts argue that while lemon balm supports digestion and stress relief, it isn’t a magic fat burner.
Dr. Lisa Harper, a nutritionist specializing in herbal remedies, explains, “Lemon balm can support weight loss when paired with a balanced diet and exercise. But if you’re looking for overnight results, you’ll be disappointed.”
So, does lemon balm weight loss work? The answer: It depends on your lifestyle.
💬 “I started drinking lemon balm tea every night, and within two weeks, I felt less bloated. It didn’t melt fat overnight, but I feel lighter and more energized.” — Ashley, 29
💬 “Lemon balm helped curb my sugar cravings! I used to eat a donut every afternoon, but now I don’t even think about it.” — Jake, 45
💬 “Not a miracle cure, but it definitely helps with digestion. Plus, I sleep better, which makes a huge difference in my weight loss journey.” — Natalie, 50
If you’re looking for a natural way to reduce stress, curb cravings, and support digestion, lemon balm is worth a try. But let’s be real—it won’t replace a healthy diet and regular exercise.
So, is lemon balm weight loss the magic solution? Not quite. But can it help? Absolutely. Just ask Sarah, who says, “It didn’t just help me lose weight—it made me feel more in control of my body again.”
Would you try lemon balm for weight loss? Let us know your thoughts below!