Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family. The leaves of this plant are the most sought-after element, as they have a sweet lemon flavour and are useful in many medicinal, aromatic, and culinary applications.

Widely known as a calming herb, it provides relief from a range of health conditions from anxiety to indigestion.

It has a documented medicinal history extending back to approximately 50 to 80 BC. Although native to Europe and Asia, lemon balm can be found in many parts of the world.

Due to the wide variety of uses and potential benefits of this perennial herb, it has become popular throughout the world, both for therapeutic and culinary uses. It contains a wide range of antioxidants and active ingredients that provide a boost to multiple systems in the body.

Part used:

Herb

Energetics:

Sour, cooling, drying

Actions:

Relaxing nervine, anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, nootropic, nervine tonic, antimicrobial, antiviral, relaxing diaphoretic, febrifuge, carminative, aromatic digestant, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, antispasmodic, antioxidant

Indications:

• Anxiety, nervousness, stress, insomnia, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, tension headaches
• Improves cognitive function, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease
• Dyspepsia associated with anxiety or depressive states, diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating
• Menstrual cramping, muscle tension
• Colds and influenza, fever, viral infections (topically for cold sore and chicken pox treatment)
• Hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease
• Radiation protection
• Heart disease, diabetes
• First aid for insect bites

References:

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-lemon-balm

https://www.healthline.com/health/lemon-balm-uses

Related Products:

Lemon balm is used in our Mother Nurture, Peaceful and Restful Tea.