Herbal Therapies for Anxiety and Sleep

Introduction to Lemon Balm

The Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO guideline notes that a trial of chamomile tea, a similar herbal tea, showed negative results for anxiety in cancer patients 1
The Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) consensus statement recommends holding lemon balm for 2 weeks before surgery due to evidence suggesting that the combination of lemon balm with sedatives or alcohol may result in additive CNS depression 2

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as first-line treatment for insomnia, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 3
Melatonin has stronger evidence for sleep improvement and is considered safe to continue even during the perioperative period, as stated by the Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) 2
Passionflower has been studied in the perioperative setting and demonstrated anxiety reduction with a good safety profile, according to the Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) 2
Regular physical activity improves sleep quality, duration, and efficiency, as recommended by the National Sleep Foundation 4

The Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) recommends avoiding the combination of lemon balm with sedative medications or alcohol due to the risk of additive CNS depression 2
It is advised to discontinue lemon balm use at least 2 weeks before any surgical procedures, as stated by the Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) 2