Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

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Botanical Name:

Melissa officinalis L. ⁽²⁾

Plant Family:

Lamiaceae⁽³⁾

Botanical Synonym:

Faucibarba officinalis L. ⁽²⁾

Thymus melissa ⁽²⁾

Common Names

Melissa, Bee balm, Balm, Sweet balm, Honey plant, English balm, Balm leaf, Balm oil plant,

Barm leaf, Dropsywort, Primentary, Sweet Mary, Tea balm, Balm mint, Blue balm, Garden

Balm, Heart’s delight, Toronjil (Spanish), Limonera (Spanish), Xiang feng hua (Chinese) ⁽⁴⁾ ⁽⁵⁾ ⁽⁶⁾ ⁽⁷⁾.

The origin of the word “Melissa” comes from the Greek word “melisso,” meaning “honey bee,”

“bee,” or “honey” ⁽³⁾ ⁽⁸⁾.

Botanical Description

Growing from many lateral roots, this bushy and upright perennial can reach a height of up to 3 ft (1 m) ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽⁹⁾.  The stem is square ⁽⁷⁾. Leaves are opposite, heart to oval, slightly hairy, 2 to 8 cm

long, and the margins are toothed ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽⁹⁾. The leaf surface has prominent coarse and brined veins⁽⁹⁾.

New leaves appear much different, having a vibrant green colour and are oval ⁽⁷⁾. Flowers

are petite, bilabiate coronas that grow in small clusters of 4 to 12 blossoms ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽⁹⁾. The colour is

white, but it can sometimes be pale pink to yellow, blooms from May to August ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽⁹⁾ ⁽¹¹⁾.  The

whole plant is highly fragrant, smelling similar to lemon ⁽⁷⁾.

Habitat, Distribution, and Ecology

Naturalizing in various parts of Europe and North America, lemon balm was once native to

Southern France, the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and Western Asia ⁽¹¹⁾ ⁽¹²⁾ ⁽¹³⁾.  It is generally found in sunny, well-drained habitats, fields, gardens, and roadways ⁽¹¹⁾ ⁽¹²⁾ .  However, lemon balm does occur in poor soil and can tolerate droughts, growing well in small spaces and containers ⁽¹²⁾.

As Lemon balm produces a lot of nectar, it attracts various butterflies, bees and other pollinators and is resistant to deer ⁽⁸⁾ ⁽¹²⁾ ⁽¹³⁾ .

Parts used

Leaves, aerial parts ⁽⁷⁾

Sustainability and Cultivation

Lemon balm is currently not listed on the “at-risk” or “species-to-watch” list by the United Plant Savers. While it may not be listed, lemon balm is susceptible to powered dry mildew, root rots, aphids, leaf spot, leaf blight, grey mould, and mites ⁽¹²⁾ ⁽⁴⁵⁾.

Melissa officinalis can be used interchangeably with Melissa officinalis ssp. altissima, otherwise known as Melissa officinalis 'Lime Balm'. While some believe this species has a lime-like fragrance, the chemical constituents are the same as Melissa officinalis ⁽¹⁵⁾.

Lemon balm grows in zones 3a-7b, and can grow in various habitats ⁽¹²⁾.  Best sown indoors

from March to May, Melissa officinalis can be easily propagated via seeds, roots, and twigs ⁽¹⁶⁾ ⁽⁴⁵⁾. Although easy to grow, seed propagation can take up to three weeks ⁽¹¹⁾ ⁽¹²⁾.  At this time,

they can be transplanted from April to June⁽¹⁶⁾ ⁽⁴⁵⁾.  Although Lemon balm prefers well-drained

soils it will tolerate poor soils and droughts ⁽¹¹⁾ ⁽¹²⁾.  Additionally, it does well in full sun or

partial shade, preferring partial shade ⁽¹¹⁾ ⁽¹²⁾ ⁽¹⁷⁾. If grown in full sun, lemon balm grows into a

compact and bushy perennial, but if grown in partial shade, it will become a sprawling plant ⁽¹⁷⁾. Harvesting usually occurs between July and September and can be harvested throughout the growing season ⁽¹⁶⁾ ⁽³⁵⁾ ⁽⁴⁵⁾. As this plant has volatile oils, lemon balm is best harvested in the

afternoon when they are the strongest ⁽⁴⁵⁾.

Harvesting, Collection and Preparation

Lemon balm can be harvested by cutting the stem 6-8 inches (approx 20 cm) above the ground, thus ensuring regrowth ⁽⁷⁾. As mentioned above, lemon balm can be harvested throughout the season, ideally two to three times ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽¹⁸⁾. The leaves should be harvested before blooming to ensure the highest concentration of volatile oils and to avoid the yellowing of the leaves ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽¹⁸⁾. If not handled carefully, lemon balm’s active compounds, volatile oils, can easily be lost  ⁽⁷⁾. Frequent touching can also cause leaf discolouration and dried brown leaves ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽¹⁸⁾. After harvesting, it is strongly recommended to process the herb immediately ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽¹⁸⁾. The fresh leaves can be turned into fresh tinctures, teas or placed on drying racks away from direct light  ⁽⁷⁾. Fresh leaves can also be dried at a low temperature of around 86°F (30°C)  ⁽⁷⁾. When stored properly, fresh leaves will last approximately 7-14 days after harvesting, and dried leaves will last approximately one year or longer ⁽¹⁸⁾.

Preparations: tincture (1:5, 30%), infusion, glyercite, salves, infused oils, cream, essential oil,

capsules ⁽⁶⁾ ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽⁸⁾.

Constituents

Over 100 chemical constituents have been identified in Lemon balm; the following are the main chemicals found ⁽¹⁵⁾:

Flavonoids (0.5%) - luteolin-7-O-glucoside, isoquercitrin, quercetin, apigenin, apigenin-7-O-

lucoside, kaempferol, and rhamnocitrin ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽¹⁷⁾

Volatile oils (0.06-0.375%) - monoterpenes including: citronellal, citral, geranial, neral, beta-

ocimene, geraniol, linalool; sesquiterpenes including: beta-caryophyllene, germacrene D, geranyl acetate ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽¹³⁾ ⁽¹⁷⁾ ⁽¹⁹⁾

Polyphenols - rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acids, protocatechuic acid,

hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, metrilic acid, ferulic acid, tannins, methyl carnosoate,

hydroxcinnamic acid, 2(3’,4’-dihydroxyphenyl_-1,3-benzodioxole-5-aldehyde ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽¹³⁾ ⁽¹⁷⁾ ⁽¹⁹⁾

Triterpenes - ursolic acid, oleanolic acid ⁽¹⁹⁾

Ursene triterpene glycosides - melissiosides A-C ⁽⁷⁾

Vitamins - Vitamin C and carotenoids ⁽⁷⁾

Lemon balm's flavour and scent come from citral, citronellal, geraniol and linalool ⁽¹³⁾. The

flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, rosmarinus acid and caffeic acids may contribute to its

antioxidant effects ⁽¹³⁾. Tannins help with its antiviral effects ⁽¹³⁾.

Pharmacology and Research Studies

Anxiety

A standardized extract of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis was analyzed for its

anxiolytic properties. In a carefully controlled double-blind study, 24 participants received three extracts in the following doses: 600 mg, 1200 mg, and 1800 mg, each containing Melissa officinalis, Valeriana officinalis, and a placebo. Each dosage was given on a separate day, and. there was a gap of seven days between each dose to allow enough time for any effects to wear off. At the end of the study, it was found that the 600 mg dose of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis improved anxiety, while the highest dose of 1800 mg increased anxiety. Due to these results, further investigation is warranted for the combined anxiolytic properties of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis ⁽²⁷⁾.

Anxiety and Insomnia

Having properties that reduce stress and anxiety, a standardized extract of Melissa officinalis L was produced called Cyracos®. When given this extract, mice experienced moderate stress reduction. Due to these results, another study was conducted over 15 days, including “volunteers with mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances.”  The results showed that Cyracos® “effectively reduced anxiety by 18%, improved anxiety-related symptoms by 15%, and decreased insomnia by 42%. Overall, 95% of the participants responded positively to the treatment, with 70% achieving complete remission from their anxiety, 85% for insomnia and 70% for both.” Although this study is one of the first to demonstrate the stress-relieving effects of Melissa officinalis L., further studies are needed to investigate physiological stress markers ⁽²¹⁾.

Depression

An eight-week clinical trial compared Melissa officinalis L and Lavandula angustifolia with

fluoxetine to determine their effectiveness in treating mild to moderate depression. Forty-five

adult outpatients. After completing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 45 outpatients were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Each group was randomly assigned daily doses of either Melissa officinalis (2g), Lavandula angustifolia (2g) or fluoxetine (20 mg). Using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, each participant was evaluated at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8. The findings show that Melissa officinalis and Lavandula angustifolia have similar therapeutic effects to fluoxetine in treating mild to moderate depression ⁽²⁶⁾.

Thyroid

In vitro studies on rats have shown that Melissa officinalis can block the binding of thyroid-

stimulating hormone (TSH) to its receptors ⁽²²⁾. This effect is thought to occur at both the

hormone and receptor sites ⁽²²⁾. A combined herbal preparation of bugleweed (Lycopus spp.) and Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) was tested in two case studies ⁽²⁰⁾. The first case study consisted of a 64-year-old female presenting with Graves’ disease, and the second case study featured a 46-year-old female presenting with hyperthyroidism and periorbital edema ⁽²⁰⁾. The results showed positive effects after taking the combined extract over several months ⁽²⁰⁾. In both cases, the patients thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) levels normalized over a few months ⁽²⁰⁾.

Oxidative Stress in Radiology

Drunk as an infusion, 55 radiology personnel were asked to consume lemon balm (1.5g/100

mL) twice daily for 30 days. The levels of “plasma, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, catalase,

superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, and glutathione peroxidase activity were measured

before and after” consumption. Using lemon balm showed a marked “improvement in

plasma levels of catalase, superoxide dissimulates, and glutathione peroxidase and a marked reduction in plasma DNA damage, myeloperoxidase, and lipid peroxidation.” The results showed that consumption of lemon balm infusion can significantly improve oxidative stress and reduce DNA damage ⁽²³⁾.

Nervous Dyskoimesis

A study on children under 12 years of age experiencing restlessness and dyssomnia examined the effectiveness and tolerance of a combined valerian and lemon balm preparation (Euvegal®). A total of 918 children were evaluated; after taking Euvegal® over four weeks, “80.9% of patients suffering from dyssomnia experienced improvements, while 70.4% of patients with restlessness improved significantly. On average, other listed symptoms showed a total improvement of 37.8%”. Based on these figures, Euvegal® forte was effective in treating young children with restlessness and dyssomnia and was well tolerated ⁽²⁴⁾.

Herpes

Melissa officinalis L has been found to effectively treat Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)

lesions. Researchers tested a hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis L. on Vero cells for its antiviral properties. The results showed that the extract was non-toxic at concentrations between 0.025 - 1 mg mL(-1). They also found that at a concentration of 0.5 mg mL(-1), the extract reduced the cytoplasmic effect of HSV-2 on Vero cells by up to 60%. The extract did not prevent the virus from entering the cells, suggesting it works after it has entered the cell. Using NMR and HPLC, the extract was analyzed and contained cinnamic acid-like compounds, with rosmarinic acid as the principal constituent (4.1% w/w). This study’s findings support using Lemon balm for treating HSV-2 lesions and warrants further clinical investigation ⁽²⁵⁾.

Dementia

A study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of aromatherapy on patients with severe dementia using the essential oil of Melissa officinalis L. An aromatherapy treatment for seventy-two patients were randomly assigned with either the Melissa officinalis L. or a placebo. Applied twice a day in a base lotion to the face and arms twice a day, those who received the essential oil, 60% experienced a 30% reduction in the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) score. In comparison, only 14% of the placebo group experienced the same reduction. The patients who received the Melissa officinalis L. essential oil showed an improvement in agitation with a mean reduction in CMAI score of 35% compared to 11% in those who revised the placebo. Additionally, those who received essential oil significantly improved their quality of life. These results showed that the Melissa officinalis L. essential oil is safe and effective for treating agitation in severe dementia patients ⁽²⁸⁾.

Toxicity

Although Lemon balm is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for up to eight weeks,

there have been reports of adverse effects with both oral and topical use ⁽²⁹⁾ ⁽³⁰⁾. According to the present findings, consuming 600 mg/day of lemon balm extract is safe ⁽³⁰⁾. Further research is needed on toxicity and dose escalation; therefore, it is recommended to exercise caution when using high doses of lemon balm and for prolonged periods ⁽²⁹⁾.

Herbal actions

Antidepressant ⁽⁴⁾⁽⁷⁾⁽³¹⁾⁽³⁶⁾ Antispasmodic ⁽⁴⁾⁽⁷⁾⁽⁸⁾⁽³¹⁾⁽³²⁾⁽³⁶⁾ Antiviral ⁽⁴⁾⁽⁷⁾⁽³⁶⁾ Carminative ⁽⁴⁾⁽⁷⁾⁽³¹⁾⁽³²⁾⁽³⁶⁾ Diaphoretic ⁽⁴⁾⁽⁷⁾⁽⁸⁾⁽³¹⁾⁽³²⁾⁽³⁶⁾ Nervine ⁽⁴⁾⁽⁷⁾⁽⁸⁾⁽³¹⁾⁽³²⁾⁽³⁶⁾ Analgesic ⁽⁷⁾ Antimicrobial ⁽⁷⁾⁽³¹⁾

Antioxidant ⁽⁴⁾⁽⁷⁾ Anxiolytic ⁽⁷⁾ Emmenagogue ⁽³²⁾ Hepatic ⁽³¹⁾ Radioprotective ⁽⁷⁾ Sedative ⁽⁴⁾⁽³⁶⁾ Stomachic ⁽³²⁾ Trophorestorative ⁽⁷⁾

Energetics

Western perspective:

Sour, cool. Indicated for excited tissues. Associated with the heart and stomach ⁽⁴⁶⁾

Western/TCM perspective:

Sour, spicy, cool. Entering the lung and liver meridians ⁽³²⁾ ⁽³³⁾

Ayurvedic perspective:

Pungent, sweet, sour, astringent. Decreases Pitta and Kapha, stabilizes Vata. Enters the digestive, nervous, reproductive, and respiratory channels ⁽³⁴⁾.

Therapeutic Use and Specific Indications

Cardiovascular

According to Mathew Wood “Although it will generally sedate most people, it is particularly

suited to conditions of sympathetic excess, hyper adrenaline, or hyperthyroidism. It is especially indicated when these tendencies are associated with the stomach or heart. Heart palpitations, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, and even aneurism have found a treatment in Melissa.” ⁽⁴⁶⁾

Digestive System and Nervous System

Well known as a carminative herb, lemon balm helps treat flatulent dyspepsia and helps reduce digestional spasms ⁽³¹⁾. Due to its antidepressant qualities, this herb is indicated when

dyspepsia is accompanied by anxiety or depression ⁽³¹⁾. As there is a connection between the

digestive and neurological systems (gut-brain axis), the volatile oil acts upon these parts ⁽³¹⁾. As

such, some herbalists have compared lemon balm to oats and classified it as a trophorestorative ⁽³¹⁾.

Lemon balm has also been used to treat insomnia, neuralgia, and tension-induced migraines ⁽³¹⁾.

Immune system

Lemon balms' diaphoretic properties have been used to treat fevers caused by tension in small children and to recover from nervous depression after a severe fever, especially if the digestive system has been stimulated for an extended period ⁽⁴⁶⁾.

The diaphoretic and febrifuge effects from lemon balm provide a cooling sensation for those

suffering from catarrh, fever, cold, or influenza ⁽³⁾ ⁽³⁵⁾.

Integumentary System

Lemon balm was once used with salt to remove pilar cysts, ease gout pain, and cleanse wounds. The hot infusion would extract rosmarinic acid and other polyphenols, giving lemon balm its antiviral properties, which assists with HSV-2 lesions ⁽³¹⁾.

Metabolism

Extensive laboratory research has been conducted on the hormone-regulating properties of

Lemon balm. These indicate that freeze-dried extracts can effectively prevent the thyroid-stimulating effects of hormones on the thyroid gland. In individuals with hyperthyroidism

caused by Grave’s disease, it can impair the binding of TSH to cell membranes, inviting

iodothyronine deiodinase, and interferes with immunoglobulin receptor binding.

Lemon balm-specific indications

Nervousness ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Mild depression ⁽³⁶⁾ ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Anxiety ⁽³⁰⁾ ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Panic attacks ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Insomnia ⁽³⁰⁾ ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Headache ⁽³⁶⁾ ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Migraine ⁽³¹⁾ ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Asthma ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Coughing (convulsive) ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Hyperthyroidism ⁽³¹⁾ ⁽³⁶⁾ ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Heart palpitations ⁽⁴⁶⁾ High blood pressure ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Atrial fibrillation ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Palpitations ⁽³⁶⁾ Rapid or superficial pulse ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Dyspepsia ⁽³¹⁾ ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Mononucleosis ⁽³⁶⁾ Genital herpes ⁽³⁶⁾

Cold sores ⁽³⁶⁾ Flatulence ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Indigestion (nervous) ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Nausea ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Vomiting ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Colds ⁽³⁵⁾ ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Fevers ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Deficient and painful menstruation ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Leucorrhea ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Hot flashes (menopause) ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Impotence (in males) ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Burns ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Blisters ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Stings ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Sweaty palms ⁽⁴⁶⁾ Hypertension ⁽³⁰⁾ ⁽³⁶⁾ Upset stomach ⁽³⁶⁾ ⁽⁴⁶⁾

Contraindications and Cautions

Not recommended during pregnancy or in large doses if you have hypothyroidism and

Hashimoto's thyroiditis ⁽⁴⁾ ⁽⁷⁾. Please consult a healthcare practitioner if you are taking any

thyroid medications ⁽⁴⁾ ⁽⁷⁾.

May cause drowsiness ⁽³⁷⁾. “Exercise caution if operating heavy machinery, driving a motor

vehicle or involved in activities requiring mental altertness.” ⁽³⁷⁾

Pharmacy and Dosage

Tincture:

3-5 mL taken 3-4 times per day (1:5, 30%) ⁽⁷⁾; for adults and adolescents (13 and over) take 48-96 drops 1-3 times daily “in a little water on an empty stomach” ⁽³⁷⁾

Tea (hot infusion):

1.5-4.5g of dried lemon balm per cup taken 4 times per day ⁽⁶⁾; 1-2 tsp dried lemon balm per cup taken 2-4 times per day ⁽⁷⁾

Cold infusion:

Combine 0.5 oz dried lemon balm in 4 cups of water and drink 1/2-1 cup 1-4 times per day ⁽⁷⁾.

Glycerite:

Add 10-60 drops to water, and consume 1-4 times per day ⁽⁴⁰⁾

Topical (salves, infused oils, cream):

Apply to the affected area, 3 times daily or as needed ⁽⁶⁾

Essential Oil:

If applying topically, dilute in a carrier oil before use and apply as needed. If using in a diffuser please see your manual for reference on how many drops to add.

Capsules:

For adults and adolescents (13 and over) take 1 250 mg (capsule of dried Lemon balm) 2-3 times per day on an empty stomach ⁽³⁷⁾.

Synergism and Incompatibilities

Hyperactive thyroid:

Combine Lemon balm, bugleweed and motherwort ⁽⁸⁾

Pre-menstrual syndrome:

Steep lemon balm, basil, chamomile, catnip, and raspberry leaf for 10 minutes and drink as a tea ⁽⁴¹⁾.

Cold and flu:

Steep lemon balm, cinnamon, and basil mint for 10 minutes and drink as a tea ⁽⁴¹⁾.

Sunburns:

Add lemon balm, basil, cucumber, aloe vera, and vinegar to a bathtub of warm water and soak ⁽⁴¹⁾.

Facial inclusion:

Steep lemon balm, rosemary, thyme, aloe vera, half a cucumber, mint, and chamomile for 30 minutes. Apply the infusion to the face for 10 minutes ⁽⁴¹⁾.

Anxiety:

Lemon balm and valerian ⁽²⁷⁾

Depression:

Lemon balm and lavender ⁽²⁶⁾

Ethnobotany and Folkloric Usage:

According to Greek mythology, honey was discovered by a nymph named Melissa. Believing

nymphs could take on the form of bees, they provided honey to baby Zeus, helping him gain the power to become ruler of the gods ⁽⁴²⁾.

Having a rich history, lemon balm was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans who applied

crushed leaves to wounds, preventing them from bleeding and incorporated the herb into wine to combat fever ⁽⁴²⁾. According to Gerard “The juice of Balm glueth together greene wounds, and gives the opinion of Pliny and Dioscorides that Balm, being leaves steeped in wine, and the wine drunk, and the leaves applied externally, were considered to be a certain cure for the bites of venomous beasts and the stings of scorpions” ⁽³⁵⁾.

To improve his health and extend his lifespan, Charlemagne (Charles the Great, born during the ninth century) consumed both Lemon balm teas and tinctures ⁽⁴²⁾ ⁽⁴⁷⁾. Due to its benefits, he

mandated the cultivation of lemon balm in all the apothecary and monastery gardens throughout this kingdom ⁽⁴²⁾.

Dating back to the Merovingian era, bees have been associated with immortality and industry and have long been a symbol of French royalty, seen in the flour-de-lies ⁽⁴²⁾. Farmers likely relied on lemon balm’s ability to attract bees, allowing them to meet demands, prompting the appointment of gamekeepers to preserve wild hives ⁽⁴²⁾. Melissa water (Eau de Melisse), was extensively advertised as a nerve tonic and calming agent during this time ⁽⁴²⁾.

During the 16th century, lemon balm gained popularity as a key ingredient in Carmelite water, an alcoholic concoction created by French Carmelite nuns ⁽⁴²⁾. Highly praised for its ability to alleviate headaches, neuralgia, and used as a general health tonic and perfume, Emperor Charles V of Spain consumed it daily, giving it the name of King Charles water ⁽⁴²⁾ ⁽⁴⁴⁾. To make Carmelite water “two pounds of fresh lemon balm leaves were steeped in half a gallon of orange blossom water and a gallon of alcoholic spirits for two weeks.” ⁽⁴⁴⁾

According to Culpeper, lemon balm is associated with Jupiter and Cancer and is known to

enhance the function of nature in various ways ⁽⁴³⁾. Seraphio claims that lemon balm has the

ability to boost the mind and emotional spirit, alleviate fainting and swooning, especially in those who are sleeping ⁽⁴³⁾. It aids in ridding the mind of distressing thoughts brought on by negative emotions, improves cognitive function by removing any obstructions from the brain, and aids digestion ⁽⁴³⁾.

Dioscorides advised women seeking to induce their menstrual cycle to bathe or sit in a

lemon balm decoction ⁽⁴³⁾. When combined with nitre, lemon balm helped alleviate toothaches

and bloody flux ⁽⁴³⁾. It was also utilized to help women in labor expel the after-birth ⁽⁴³⁾. It was

also useful for boils, when mashed and boiled in wine and oil and applied to it, the Lemon balm mash would assist in ripening and rupturing the boil ⁽⁴³⁾.

Lemon balm was a highly recommended herb during the Middle Ages and Renaissance eras for treating a variety of health concerns such as “insomnia, toothaches, menstrual issues, digestive upsets, headaches, poor appetite, fever, and anxiety” ⁽⁴²⁾. Due to its delightful scent, lemon balm was popular in churches and was often spread onto floors until the nineteenth century ⁽⁴²⁾.

Lemon balm, was commonly used to treat wounds and ulcers by the Muslim physician and

philosopher Bina Sina (Avicenna) ⁽⁴⁴⁾. The healing powers of Lemon balm were highly

regarded by sixteenth-century physician Paracelsus as he believed it could be used for “all

complaints supposed to proceed from a disordered state of the nervous system” ⁽⁴⁴⁾. He

also believed that it could bring back patients from the brink of death ⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Utilized by the Cherokee Indians in America, lemon balm was used for “colds, typhus, fevers

and chills” ⁽⁴⁴⁾. Meanwhile, the Costanoan Indians of Northern California “used it as a

gastrointestinal aid.” ⁽⁴³⁾

Popular with Thomas Jefferson, lemon balm was grown in his garden at Monticello and in many colonial gardens it was a substitute for lemons ⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Lemon balm continues to grow in popularity, today it is commonly used in food ⁽⁴⁴⁾. With

clinical trials showing its benefits in Alzheimer’s or dementia patients, as well as its medicinal

benefits known in Europe, Lemon balm is gaining acceptance in the United States ⁽⁴⁴⁾. In Germany, Lemon balm preparations have been recognized by the government and are prescribed for “those who have nervous conditions and spasms of the digestive tract.” ⁽⁴⁴⁾

Disclaimer:

This monograph is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herb, essential oil, supplement, or topical product, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or have a medical condition.

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