DOSE:

24 oz

oral

Lemon Balm

(tea)

BODY WEIGHT:

210 lb

I had heard that lemon balm could have a sedative/anxiolytic effect, and, such being one of my favorite classes of drug, picked two giant bundles from my garden (where it grows freely, and I had always enjoyed chewing the leaves or adding them to iced tea). I hung them to dry in the shed and then forgot about them for a few months.

When I rediscovered them, I decided to chuck one whole bundle (about the size of a basketball, though only tied at one end- stems and all, a few ounces at least) into a large pot and simmer with about a quart of water. As it softened I was able to smash all the plant matter down below the surface of the water. After an hour I removed the herbs and let the liquid cook down to about twenty-four ounces. The result was very dark, almost coffee-like.

The flavor was not bitter or unpleasant, but I mixed about five ounces with cola and it was much improved.

Being an experienced user of benzodiazepines (esp. alprazolam and etizolam) and other 'downers'/GABA agonists, I can safely say that there was a definite anxiolytic effect from this brew. I felt less annoyed and anxious about a stressful domestic situation within twenty minutes. I went bowling and felt quite loose and relaxed, even though we were on a lousy lane with sticky pins. I would compare the effect to a small dose (say, .5 mg) of alprazolam combined with a very small dose (say, one tiny puff) of marijuana, but much more clear-headed. They lasted about three hours.

Very positive experience in my opinion. I have four or so servings left at that dosage, but will try a bit less and then a bit more for a clearer overall picture.

Exp Year: 2013	ExpID: 99198
Gender: Male
Age at time of experience: 35
Published: May 9, 2019	Views: 3,083
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Lemon Balm (590) : Therapeutic Intent or Outcome (49), First Times (2), Various (28)