Lemon balm is a plant that is part of the mint family and native to Europe. Its use extends back to the Middle Ages, when it was used to relieve anxiety and stress and promote sleeping. It was also steeped in wine for consumption. Lemon balm is best harvested in the spring and summer. It is named for its pungent lemon aroma that can be smelled when the flowering heads of the plant are broken open. Lemon balm is still used today in a number of different ways.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lemon balm can be used on its own or in combination with other calming herbs like valerian and chamomile to reduce anxiety and promote calming. It can also be be used to relieve irritability in some people and is recommended by the American Pregnancy Association for this purpose. Lemon balm tea can be made by steeping 1.5 to 4.5 grams of dried lemon balm in boiling water. You can do this up to four times daily.
Insomnia Treatment
Lemon balm can help relieve insomnia and induce sleep. It works in much the same way it does when relieving anxiety--the lemon balm has a soothing effect that can calm nerves and relax an individual. Lemon balm can be taken as a dried herb or in capsule form. Take 300 to 500 mg of the dried herb three times daily or as needed to treat your insomnia.
Herpes Treatment
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, medical studies have suggested that topical treatments of lemon balm can treat cold sores originating from the herpes simplex virus. Lemon balm can improve the redness and swelling resulting from herpes in just a few days. Lemon balm can be applied topically using an ointment containing lemon balm. Apply it three times daily or as needed to treat your herpes.
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