Does the Viral Lemon Balm Drink for Weight Loss Work? What a Dietitian Says About the TikTok Trend

Nowadays, it seems like everywhere you look online you’ll find a new weight loss solution, from fad diets to trendy cleanses. And if there’s one place that’s become an excavation site, if you will, it’s TikTok. The social media platform has introduced countless weight loss hacks, including ‘cortisol face’ and ‘Oatzempic.’ Now, the latest buzzworthy craze is all about lemon balm, the DIY weight loss drink that many claim can help with digestion, blood sugar and bloating.

But what is lemon balm? And does this herbal concoction really live up to the hype? To learn more, we spoke to Liz Weinandy, MPH, RDN, LD , a Registered Dietician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She shares what you should know about the lemon balm drink for weight loss, and if diet drinks actually work.

What is the viral lemon balm drink for weight loss?

While very similar to lemon water, the lemon balm drink doesn’t include any lemons. In fact, lemon balm isn’t even a fruit (more on that later). Recipes on TikTok vary, but most consist of lemon balm leaves steeped in hot or cold water, and sometimes other ingredients like ginger, garlic or honey to enhance the flavor and benefits. It typically has a lemon-ginger flavor with hints of mint leaves.

Proponents of the drink claim it can reduce anxiety and stress, improve metabolic health (particularly bloating), improve blood sugar levels and ultimately aid in weight management.

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Benefits of lemon balm

Before we dive into whether this drink works, it’s important to understand what lemon balm actually is. “Lemon balm is an herb in the mint family that has a slight lemon smell, thus its name,” explains Weinandy. “People use lemon balm for a number of reasons including: increasing immune function, promoting digestion, relieving anxiety and stress , lowering cholesterol and combating cold sores.”

Consuming lemon balm tea has even been said to help ease menstrual cramps, too. And while some evidence supports these perks, weight loss isn’t typically one of the primary benefits of lemon balm tea or water. Weinandy also notes that most studies have been conducted on laboratory animals, not humans.

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Overall, lemon balm is safe “when consumed in foods and supplements…but long-term evidence is lacking,” she notes. She recommends speaking with your healthcare provider and discussing the appropriate dose of lemon balm and timeline.

Potential side effects of lemon balm

“Caution should be taken in certain populations including children, the elderly and pregnant and breastfeeding women,” warns Weinandy. “Some health conditions like thyroid disease may be worsened by taking lemon balm supplements and some prescription medications may have unwanted interactions.”

Does the lemon balm drink for weight loss work?

“For most people, there is likely no harm in adding lemon balm leaves with ginger and garlic if in moderate amounts,” says Weinandy. However, “there isn’t good evidence this will decrease bloating though. And in fact, the garlic in this concoction can cause a number of gastrointestinal issues like heartburn and acid reflux.”

Lemon balm may help with weight loss as a secondary effect if you make it a part of your daily routine. But it's not a magic bullet. Relying solely on a lemon balm drink for weight loss may distract from proven methods or increase the risk of potential side effects.

How effective are diet drinks for weight loss?

When it comes to the latest diet drinks, you can easily believe in the hype, especially when you see results on social media. However, it’s best to approach these trends with caution.

“Detox drinks in general are not effective for weight loss, and in fact, some of them can cause harm by reducing the beneficial bacteria in our guts,” adds Weinandy. “What’s best is focusing on making several small changes that can lead to significant results over time.” Once these changes become habits, you can start to see changes in your overall health, including weight.

It can be as easy as adding a few more fruits and vegetables to your plate each day or limiting sugary beverages or unhealthy snacks. “Over time, these small actions can really add years and quality of life for people, with no crazy detox concoctions involved!” says Weinandy.

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan .