Anjali Pillai Anjali Pillai Asked 9 months ago

Why is lemon balm bad for thyroid?

I have hypothyroidism and was thinking of trying some herbal remedies, and lemon balm came up as good for relaxation. But then I read somewhere that it might be bad for thyroid conditions. Can someone tell me why that might be?

7

7 answers

Mira Sharma Mira Sharma Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago
Most liked

From my understanding in natural remedies and Ayurveda, certain herbs can have potent effects on glands. Lemon balm is often used for calming, but it's believed to interfere with thyroid hormone production or TSH. So, it's usually advised to avoid it if you have thyroid issues, especially hypothyroidism.

Rajesh Kumar Rajesh Kumar Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Hello! I've seen this question pop up before. Yes, it's true, lemon balm can potentially suppress thyroid function. It contains compounds that might inhibit TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) from binding to its receptors, which is why it's usually not recommended for those with an underactive thyroid. Always consult your endocrinologist before taking any herbal supplements.

Pooja Singh Pooja Singh Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Oh, I heard about this too! My friend has thyroid issues and her doctor specifically told her to be careful with herbal teas and supplements, mentioning lemon balm. Apparently, it can mess with your thyroid meds or how your body makes its own hormones. So, better to be safe and avoid it if you have any thyroid condition.

Aisha Khan Aisha Khan Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Yaar, actually, it's a bit tricky with herbs, na? Lemon balm is supposed to be calming but for thyroid, it can actually reduce thyroid activity. So if someone has hypothyroidism, it can make it worse. My neighbour who has thyroid was told by her doc to stay away from it. Always check with your doctor first!

Powered by

Consult a endocrinologist

Anil Reddy Anil Reddy Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Just like how I have to be careful with what I eat for my diabetes, people with thyroid conditions need to watch herbs too. Lemon balm is one of those things that can affect hormone balance. It's always best to check with your doctor, especially if you are on medication, before adding any new herb to your diet.

Karan Malhotra Karan Malhotra Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Oh, this is interesting. I thought lemon balm was just for relaxing. So it actually messes with your hormones? That's kinda scary how some natural stuff can have such a big impact. Guess I need to be more careful with what supplements I try, even if they seem harmless.

Nisha Verma Nisha Verma Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Yes, lemon balm can negatively impact thyroid function, especially for those with hypothyroidism, as it can interfere with TSH. It's a key point to remember for anyone managing thyroid issues. Time is precious, so don't self-medicate with herbs; always get professional medical advice to avoid complications.

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.