Definition:

Lemon Balm is a perennial herb in the mint family, known for its lemony fragrance and flavor. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to relieve stress, promote relaxation, and support digestive health.

Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis

Common Name: Lemon Balm

Family: Lamiaceae

Part Used: Leaves

Energetics:

• Taste: Sweet, lemony
• Temperature: Cooling, slightly moistening

Actions:

• Antiviral
• Nervine (calms the nervous system)
• Carminative (relieves gas)
• Antispasmodic
• Mild sedative
• Digestive stimulant

Body Systems:

• Nervous System: Lemon Balm is renowned for its calming and mildly sedative properties, making it a popular choice for treating anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It helps to calm an overactive mind and reduce nervous tension.
• Digestive System: Lemon Balm is a gentle digestive aid, helping to relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas. It is particularly useful when digestive discomfort is linked to stress or anxiety.
• Immune System: Lemon Balm has antiviral properties, especially effective in treating cold sores (herpes simplex virus) and other viral infections.

Primary Constituents:

• Volatile oils: Citral, citronellal, geraniol (responsible for its calming and antiviral properties)
• Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory)
• Tannins: Provide astringent action

Safety Precautions:

• Pregnancy & Lactation: Lemon Balm is generally considered safe during pregnancy and lactation when used in moderate amounts.
• Thyroid Conditions: Lemon Balm may interfere with thyroid hormone levels, so it should be used cautiously in individuals with hypothyroidism or those taking thyroid medications.

Traditional & Modern Uses:

• Stress & Anxiety Relief: Lemon Balm is commonly used to reduce anxiety, nervous tension, and stress. It promotes relaxation and is often used in teas or tinctures for calming effects.
• Sleep Aid: Lemon Balm is a mild sedative and is used to help with insomnia and restless sleep. Drinking a cup of Lemon Balm tea before bed can help induce restful sleep.
• Digestive Health: Lemon Balm is a gentle carminative, helping to soothe the digestive tract and relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas. It is especially useful when digestive issues are related to stress.
• Antiviral Properties: Lemon Balm is effective in treating viral infections, particularly herpes simplex virus (cold sores). It can be applied topically or taken internally to prevent and reduce outbreaks.

Preparations & Dosage:

• Infusion (Tea): 1-2 tsp of dried Lemon Balm leaves per cup of hot water, steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1-3 cups daily for stress relief or digestive support.
• Tincture: 2-4 ml, up to three times daily.
• Topical Use: Lemon Balm can be applied as a compress or salve to treat cold sores or other viral skin infections.
• Essential Oil (Aromatherapy): Add a few drops of Lemon Balm essential oil to a diffuser or inhale directly to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.