Lemon Balm Extract

What Does Lemon Balm Extract Do?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb from the mint family traditionally used for cognitive enhancement and stress reduction. In a pre-workout context, it acts as a "smoothing" agent to counteract the jittery side effects of high-stimulant formulas, allowing for a more controlled and productive training session.

• Anxiety Reduction: It inhibits the enzyme GABA transaminase, increasing GABA levels in the brain to promote relaxation without causing direct sedation.
• Enhanced Focus: By lowering cortisol and mental "noise," it allows you to maintain a sharper mind-muscle connection during intense, high-volume sets.
• Cognitive Performance: Research suggests it can improve memory recall and processing speed, helping you stay "in the zone" when your workout gets complex.
• Cortisol Management: It helps mitigate the physical stress response triggered by heavy lifting and high caffeine intake, potentially aiding in faster recovery.

Clinical vs. Gym Bro Dosing

Key Insight: To maximize focus without feeling sluggish, aim for the 300mg sweet spot. This is particularly effective when paired with 200mg or more of caffeine, as it prevents the "over-stimulated" feeling that can ruin a workout.

Side Effects & Warnings

• Drowsiness: At higher doses (above 600mg), it can be too relaxing, potentially dulling your training aggression and intensity.
• Digestive Upset: Some users report mild nausea, abdominal pain, or bloating if taken on an empty stomach.
• Dizziness: Rare, but possible when combined with other sedatives or medications that lower blood pressure.

Tip: If you are using a "high-stim" pre-workout and find yourself crashing or feeling anxious mid-session, lemon balm is an excellent corrective ingredient to look for on your supplement label.