Have you ever heard of Melissa officinalis? It is the official name for the herb lemon balm but is also called bee balm, Melissa, sweet balm, and cure-all. Lemon balm is a member of the popular mint family from the Mediterranean region. Its leaves give off a strong lemon scent when rubbed. It's a hardy perennial that grows into a bush about 24 inches round and can be cut two or three times during a growing season. Lemon Balm looks very similar to mint, with light green, ridged leaves.
Though a native to southern Europe, lemon balm is now found growing throughout the world. The lemony smell and pretty white flowers of the lemon balm plant have led to its widespread cultivation in gardens. Its leaves, stems, and flowers have all been used for centuries. Quotes from literature as far back as the 1600's mention lemon balm by name, speaking of its power in exaggerated prose.
The tannins and polyphenols in lemon balm extracts are both antibacterial and antiviral. It has been used to help treat strep, mumps, and most notably, herpes. Creams and ointments that include lemon balm have helped to heal cold sores or genital sores induced by the herpes simplex virus. However, unlike prescription drugs, lemon balm doesn't cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and irregular menstruation. Its antiviral properties may be due to the caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid compounds it contains.
Lemon balm not only helps speed the healing of wounds, but also contains eugenol, a natural pain reliever. Studies have shown that the fragrance of the herb has a sedating effect, which lines up with its traditional use for treatment of nervous disorders such as chronic nervousness, anxiety, and slight insomnia. Lemon balm can be compared with mint in the soothing effect it has on the stomach and the positive effect it has on the digestive system. Its sedative properties is found specifically in some of the chemicals it contains in volatile oils, including citronellal and citrals A and B.
Extract from lemon balm has been administered intravenously to help normalize overactive thyroid function, particularly in those who have a hyperactive condition called Graves' disease. Phytochemicals in the herb are thought to keep the antibodies that cause Graves' disease and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from attaching to thyroid gland receptors. Lemon balm may also help to block some of the secretion of the thyroid gland and its ability to release hormones in the body. Note: If you are currently on thyroid medication, taking lemon balm may cause interaction problems with your prescribed medications.
Lemon balm has been shown to help relax spasms affecting the smooth muscles (such as those in the uterus and intestines) in the body. It is therefore sometimes recommended for treatment of painful cramping caused by conditions such as premenstrual syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome. It may also improve memory and lengthen attention span in patients who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Yet another case study showed the use of lemon balm in aromatherapy, applying or inhaling fragrances to affect the mood. One person shared they make floor cleaner by mixing three-parts water to one-part white vinegar, then add a few sprigs of crushed lemon balm. The fragrance masks the vinegar smell and the lemon may add some antiseptic qualities.
You can enjoy the benefits of lemon balm through many means, including creams, tablets, capsules, teas, tinctures, and extracts. The typical dosage is 1 teaspoon of the extract daily, or 1 1/2 teaspoons of tincture. You can also add 1 to 3 teaspoons of the dried lemon balm leaves to a cup of hot water to make a homemade tea. You can also add its dried leaves to the bath. Use it if you have difficulty sleeping or to reduce stomach problems such as flatulence, or bloating. For children, lemon balm may be used topically on cold sores. The dosage would be the same as the recommendations for this use in adults. For internal use, adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight (above based on 150 lb. adult.
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