Lemon balm's beautifully shaped leaves and flowers are the reason the emperor Charlemagne wanted lemon balm to be grown in every monastery garden. Not only is lemon balm a beautiful plant, but it has medicinal benefits, too. It has been used to treat indigestion, insomnia, heart trouble and health problems. Though there has been limited research to confirm lemon balm's traditional uses, scientific studies confirm that lemon balm has benefits for some conditions. Though lemon balm is generally considered safe, as with any herbal treatment, it's wise to check with your doctor or health care provider before adding lemon balm to your self-care regimen.
Relieving Stress and Insomnia
Lemon balm can relax your nerves and help you sleep better, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People who took 600 milligrams (mg) of lemon balm extract felt calmer and happier than those who didn't use lemon balm. Lemon balm and valerian improved sleep just as well as prescription medication for some people, according to the University of Michigan Health System Health Notes. Researchers have tended to use lemon balm in combination with other herbs known for their healing effects, such as valerian, so more research is needed to definitively demonstrate lemon balm's soothing benefits.
Soothing Cold Sores
Topical applications of lemon balm can help cold sores heal more quickly when they appear, according to the University of Michigan Health System Health Notes. The higher the concentration of lemon balm in the cream or ointment, the more effective the treatment seems to be. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you can make your own cold sore treatment by steeping 2 to 4 teaspoons of crushed lemon balm leaves in a cup of hot water for about 15 minutes and applying the cooled liquid directly to cold sores with a cotton ball.
Treating Herpes
Lemon balm ointment can be used to treat genital herpes outbreaks, according to the University of Michigan Health System Health Notes. Applying the ointment directly to herpes sores three or four times a day seems to deliver the best results in animal studies, but more research is needed to confirm that lemon balm's anti-herpes benefits extend to humans.
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