by Phyllis Logie

Created on: April 27, 2010   Last Updated: May 06, 2010

Lemon balm is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti- microbial, anti-viral preparation which is also used as a sedative and also for the purpose of regulating  the thyroid gland excretions.

It has been called by many other names including balm mint, sweet Mary, honey plant, Melissa and many more besides.  The word balm is an abbreviation of balsam which means 'sweet smelling oil'.

The Lemon balm tree is a perennial herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which although it now grows all over the world it is in fact native to Southern Europe.  Although well know for its medicinal properties and commonly grown in small herb gardens, it is also grown commercially and used extensively in the cosmetic industry and used in the manufacture of furniture polish.

The part of the herb most used in medicinal preparations are the leaves from which the most health benefits are derived.

 USES: 

1. Commonly used to treat the common cold, flu and fevers.

2. It has the effect of being both a mood elevator in cases of depression, whilst conversely having a soothing effect in cases of excitement amongst suffers of dementia having the able to inducing restful sleep.

3.  It relieves the painful symptoms of herpes or cold sores.

4. Successful results have been achieved in the treatment of Graves disease to reduce the over production of thyroxin from the thyroid gland.

5. Effective in cases of allergies and when drunk as a hot tea it has the effect of raising the body temperature provoking sweating, which is useful for treating colds and flu.  Whilst hot it can also be helpful in relieving flatulence (gas) and bloating and it speeds up the healing process.

 DOSAGES TAKEN AS:

1. Tea – 1.5 to 4.5 teaspoonscrushed Lemon Balm in boiled water and drunk several times a day.

 2. Tincture – Apply 2 to 3 ml three times a day to the affected area.

 3. Colds – 2-4 teaspoons of crushed leaves steeped in boiling water and left to stand for between 10 to 15 minutes., when cold, apply the solution to the sore using cotton wool balls.

With regards to topical applications the same solution can be used for both adults and children.  However, for internal use the above mentioned doses will be too concentrated for children and should be adjusted to take into account the child’s body weight using the following calculations:

If the average adult weight is 70 kg and the child is 20-25 kg then the concentration should be diluted to 1/3 of what would normally be taken by an adult.

SIDE-EFFECTS:  are a rare occurrence, however: 

1. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid taking Lemon Balm at these times. 

2. Suffers from glaucoma of thyroid conditions should also avoid Lemon Balm as it may well interfere with medication prescribed by the physician. 

3. Cases of mild dizziness have been reported when the drug has been taken orally.

4. When topically applied, it may produce a mild skin irritation.              

Lemon Balm is yet another one of nature’s miracles; placed here on earth for the ultimate benefit of mankind.

Learn more about this author, Phyllis Logie.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.