The fragrant Mediterranean herb lemon balm thrives as a perennial in warmer climates of North America and Europe, but can also survive as an annual in cooler areas. Although its compact growth habit and summer flowers make it suitable as a border plant, this common garden herb also contains oils that have been used for medicinal purposes. Its delicate lemony taste also can enhance the flavor of your home cooking.
Soothing the Nerves
Lemon balm appears to reduce the negative effects of stress. Study participants who took 600 mg of lemon balm reported feeling calmer during a laboratory stress test, a 2004 study from the University of Northumbria in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK found. Although they also reported feeling less alert, the speed at which they completed math tasks increased. Lemon balm tablets are an option, but you can also use lemon balm leaves to brew a flavored tea.
Treating Cold Sores
Cold sores occur when your immune system becomes too weak to suppress herpes simplex virus particles in your body. Extract of lemon balm appears to have strong enough antiviral properties to fight this virus and relieve cold sores. A 60 percent solution of lemon balm extract significantly reduced the virus' ability to kill cells, 2008 research from Sapienza University in Rome, Italy discovered. Lemon balm creams are available for treating cold sores.
Relieving Intestinal Gas
Easing gas and bloating from indigestion is among the traditional uses for lemon balm tea. Terpenes in the volatile oils that give lemon balm its aroma may be responsible for this effect, suggest experts from the University of Michigan Health System. The German Commission E Monographs, which describe herbs prescribed in Germany, recommend making 1.5 to 4.5 grams of lemon balm leaves into a tea to relieve indigestion.
Flavoring Your Cooking
More than just a medicinal herb, lemon balm has a distinct lemon flavor that's also valuable in cooking. It's a favorite in Southeast Asian cuisine, notes Victoria Hansen from the BiteSize Cooking website, and works in pungent dishes such as curries. You can also experiment with mixing it into salads, omelets and baked goods.
References
- Purdue University: Lemon Balm
- Psychosomatic Medicine: Attenuation of Laboratory-Induced Stress In Humans After Acute Administration of Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm)
- Natural Product Research: Inhibitory Activity Of Melissa Officinalis L. Extract on Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Replication
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lemon Balm
- University of Michigan Health System: Lemon Balm
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