The use of lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis) to enhance health and treat ailments dates back to well before the Middle Ages.
Thousands of years ago it was steeped in wine to lift the spirits, speed the healing of wounds and soothe venomous insect stings and bites. Nowadays we have the means to learn in depth about the properties and actions of such herbs and it is clear that lemon balm does indeed have a wide range of medicinal applications.
- Stress, Anxiety and Depression Lemon balm is known as a nervine herb. A nervine substance calms, soothes and relaxes frazzled nerves. Balm's sedative action is largely due to its content of a group of chemicals called terpenes. It can help with the management of stress, anxiety and depression and may bring relief to nervous tension and stress reactions.
- InsomniaLemon balm’s sedative action and calming properties make it an excellent remedy for insomnia. It combines extremely well with passiflora, skullcap and/or chamomile for a restful night’s sleep.
- Heart HealthAs a tonic for the circulatory system balm is said to have cardio-protective properties. It causes mild vaso-dilation of peripheral blood vessels and can thereby help to lower blood pressure. Certainly, in any condition where stress is an exacerbating factor lemon balm may be a valuable adjunct to other therapies.
- Digestive HealthLemon balm is an excellent carminative herb, which boasts anti-spasmodic properties that can help bring relief to painful tensions in the digestive tract. It can be extremely soothing for indigestion and particularly good for treating particular physical manifestations of stress-induced IBS (e.g. where cramping and bloating are key features).
- Headaches and MigrainesAccording to Norman Bisset, Ph.D., professor of pharmacy at King’s College London and author of Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, lemon balm is useful in the treatment of migraine and headaches. Using in conjunction with common European perennial herb feverfew may prove particularly effective. Note, feverfew should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation.
- ImmunityLemon balm is a good source of antioxidant vitamins and selenium, all of which are essential for a strong and efficient immune system.
- Antiviral PropertiesIt also contains at least four different antiviral compounds and has been proven to be a beneficial ingredient in topical treatments for genital or oral herpes. Although it will not completely eliminate the virus it can help to reduce the intensity of flare-ups and decrease their duration. It is believed that lemon balm acts by blocking the viruses from attaching to the cells. Lemon balm is also indicated in the treatment of shingles.
- Aromatic QualitiesLemon balm is an aromatic herb with an extremely pleasant, uplifting odour, which can stimulate the digestive system and help in times of diminished appetite. It can increase the palatability of even the bitterest of medicinal teas.
- Essential OilsLemon balm's essential oil, which is more often referred to as melissa, smells lemony, fresh and sweetly herbaceous. It may be used in massage blends, bath oils or quite simply in an aromatherapy burner to transform the air in any room. It is excellent for a number of symptoms with a nervous origin, such as depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, headaches and palpitations.
- Easy to GrowLemon balm grows well in any site and soil and can be prolifically self-seeding. It is incredibly attractive to bees and so encourages these furry friends to visit, thus aiding the pollination of other flowers and supporting a flourishing natural environment. Just be careful it doesn’t take over!
A Note of Caution
Keep safety the highest priority. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or medically treat yourself or others without first seeking the advice of a qualified medical or herbal practitioner. This is particularly important it you have any existing condition, are taking medication or are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Resources
Duke J.A., The Green Pharmacy, Rodale Press, 1997.
Hoffman D., Holistic Herbal, Thorsons, 2002.
Wong J., Grow Your Own Drugs, Silver River Productions Limited, 2009.
The copyright of the article Lemon Balm in Herbal Properties/Benefits is owned by Emma Gibson. Permission to republish Lemon Balm in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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