A natural alternative for individuals seeking relief from anxiety, insomnia, shingles, and many other symptoms, is found in soothing, calming lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). Healers have highly respected this herb for centuries. The ancient Greeks named the herb "Melissa," or "bee," in reference to its use in honey production. Today herbalists value lemon balm for its many talents, which range from sedative to anti-viral.
Native to southern Europe, lemon balm now grows in England, and is hardy enough to grow in the northern United States. This perennial's square stem branches out as it grows up to two feet high. Pairs of oval or heart-shaped, serrated leaves grow along the stem; white or yellowish flowers grow in small bunches. The leaves exude a lemony fragrance when bruised; in fact, the name "balm" is derived from "balsam," the name of an aromatic oil.
Sedative
Lemon balm is probably best known as a mild sedative, due to the presence of terpenes, a type of chemical with sedative properties. Herbalists recommend it as a treatment for anxiety, stress, and insomnia; combine lemon balm and oatstraw infusion for a soothing bedtime drink.
Lemon balm's effectiveness as an aid for headache or digestive upset may actually be a of its sedative effect on the nervous system. A word of caution: lemon balm may increase the sedating effects of prescription or non-prescription drugs or other sedating herbs, such as valerian and hops.
Memory
Studies have shown lemon balm to be helpful in improving concentration and mental clarity in Alzheimer's Disease patients. In one particular study, patients enjoyed improved memory and attention span.
Antispasmodic
Lemon balm's property brings calming relief to stomach and menstrual cramps, and calms urinary spasms. The substance eugenol, present in the herb, is responsible for lemon balm's antispasmodic and pain-relieving properties. Lemon balm's essential oil can be used in aromatherapy for relief of amenorrhea and menstrual pain, as well as for anxiety and insomnia.
Heart Tonic
The heart and circulatory system can benefit from lemon balm's vasodilator properties. The dilation of peripheral blood vessels can bring relief from migraine or tension headaches and stress-related heart problems. Herbalists have long used it to treat heart palpitations; Susun Weed recommends drinking lemon balm tea to strengthen the heart.
Thyroid Health
Studies suggest that lemon balm may be helpful in the production hormone. In Europe the herb is used along with bugleweed in an injection to treat Grave's disease, an auto-immune illness which causes overproduction of thyroid hormone. Lemon balm appears to normalize the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (THS); it is therefore useful in treating both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. It is unclear whether an injection is necessary; herbalists recommend drinking 1 to 3 cups of tea daily for thyroid health. Consult your doctor before use in the treatment of thyroid disease, as it may interfere with prescribed therapy.
Anti-viral
Herbalists rely on lemon balm's anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties for the treatment of various ailments. Lemon balm contains polyphenols, which protect the body's cells from viral attack by attaching to the cells' virus receptor sites; viruses are thus blocked from attacking the cell. The presence of acid and rosmarinic acid, two anti-viral compounds, make the herb an effective treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster viruses.
When applied topically in a cream or ointment, lemon balm has been shown to reduce the spread and duration of the sores from these viruses. Also, the "dregs" from the tea can be applied to lesions. Lemon balm has been used in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, and has even been shown in vitro to prevent the HIV-1 virus from mutating a healthy body cell's genetic code.
Preparation
Prepare lemon balm tea by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried leaves until cool. For an infusion, place 1 ounce of dried leaves in a quart canning jar. Fill the jar with boiling water and steep for 4 hours; strain out leaves. For a soothing bath, combine the essential oils of lemon balm, lavender, and roses.
For a healing salve, herbalist Gail Faith Edwards recommends combining equal parts lemon balm, hyssop, chickweed, and St. John's wort infused oils with 1 tablespoon of beeswax per ounce of oil. Slowly heat together over low flame, stirring until blended, and remove from heat. Add up to 12 drops of lavender oil per ounce of infused oil. Pour into jars and label.
Cautions and Conclusion
In addition to already mentioned cautions: lemon balm should not be used during pregnancy or nursing, because its effects on a developing fetus or infant are not clear. Glaucoma patients may experience increased swelling behind the eyes when using lemon balm; discuss the use of this herb with your doctor.
Take the time to learn about gentle, fragrant lemon balm. You will be joining wise women, herbalists, and physicians from past and present as you discover this soothing, aromatic healer.
Sources:
Duke, James A., PhD., "The Green Pharmacy," New York, NY: St. Martin's Press, 1997.
"Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs": Gail Faith Edwards; 2000.
"A Modern Herbal": Maude Grieve; 1971, 1982 (from the original 1931 Harcourt, Brace & Company).
"New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way"; Susun S. Weed; 2002.
(Melissa officinalis) Benefits and Information (accessed October 4, 2009).
Christopher’s Herbal Legacy: Medicinal Qualities of Lemon Balm (accessed October 4, 2009).