When it comes to natural solutions for deep, recovery-fuelling sleep, few herbs match the calming power of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis).
A member of the mint family, lemon balm has been used for centuries to ease tension, promote restful sleep, and support physical and mental resilience.
However, not all lemon balm products have the same efficacy.
Premium, patented extracts like Relissa® Lemon Balm, which is the lemon balm we use in our REM+ formula, have developed methods of extracting concentrated amounts of medicinally active compounds from the plant, delivering high levels of bioactive compounds in a small dose.
Additionally, Relissa® has created a patented method for enhancing bioavailability, using phytosomal technology, bonding each grain of active lemon balm ingredient to a phospholipid, in this case, phosphatidylcholine (PC).
It is technology like this that allows our REM+ formula to be so effective at improving sleep quality and overnight recovery, offering massive benefits and high potency with a simple 2-capsule serving.
Some Incredible Benefits of Relissa® Lemon Balm
Promotes Deep, Restful Sleep
Relissa® Lemon Balm has been clinically shown to improve sleep quality and duration. Relissa’s medicinal compounds, especially rosmarinic acid, helps regulate GABA - the calming neurotransmitter responsible for reducing brain overactivity and preparing the body for deep sleep.
Its calming yet non-sedative properties makes it ideal for supporting natural circadian rhythms without next-day grogginess, helping the body and mind wind down more effectively at night while producing more natural energy during the daytime.[1,2]
Reduces Stress & Supports Mood
Lemon balm is well known for its anxiety-reducing effects. In randomized controlled trials, supplementation with Relissa® has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood.
This reduces overall cortisol load, leading to reduced inflammation for a more optimal physical recovery environment.
Through regulation of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis and support for GABA receptors, lemon balm helps calm the nervous system, promoting parasympathetic activation - a physiological state known as “Rest & Digest mode”, which is essential for deep sleep and nighttime recovery.
Enhances Recovery Through Better Nervous System Regulation
True recovery happens when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated- and lemon balm (especially Relissa®) is a highly effective compound for helping shift the body into this metabolic state.
By reducing nervous system stimulation and promoting relaxation, it supports faster recovery from stressors like intense training, muscle breakdown, and even emotional stress.
Relissa® lemon balm, the patented extract we use in our REM+ formula, contains ultra-high levels of rosmarinic acid, which further enhances recovery by reducing muscle tightness and improving heart rate variability- an important marker of recovery readiness.
Why We Use Relissa® Lemon Balm
At Forus, we only use Relissa® as our Lemon Balm source. It’s patented, standardized, contains a phytosomal advantage for increasing bioavailability, and it’s used in clinical studies for its purity, consistency, and measurable benefits.
When combined with other science-backed ingredients like Magnesium Glycinate, Affron® Saffron Extract, and Q-Shield’s patented L. plantarum probiotic, Relissa® lemon balm becomes even more effective, working in synergy to enhance sleep, mood, gut health, and both physical and emotional recovery.
