Although you may recognize it as one of the scents emanating from your grandmother's potpourri pot, lemon balm has a long medicinal history. Known for its deep cleansing action, the sweet-smelling herb may also help alleviate acne outbreaks. While further research is needed to confirm its efficacy as a blemish blocker, herbalists recommend incorporating lemon balm products into your daily skin regimen. As with all herbal remedies, however, check with your medical provider before use.
Identification
A member of the mint family, lemon balm grows to heights of 27 inches. As its name implies, the herb gives off a lemony scent. It bears small, white flowers and green leaves that are used medicinally when dried. According to Steven Foster, author of "Nature's Medicine," lemon balm's genus name, Melissa, derives from the Greek word for "bee," referencing the attraction the herb holds for honeybees.
Historical Uses
Mentioned often in Greek and Latin classics, the ancients used lemon balm to treat fevers and to calm nerves. During the Middle Ages, it was used for sleeplessness, lack of appetite, stress and digestive disorders. In America, the Cherokee Indians used the herb as a remedy for fevers, colds, chills and typhus. It was also grown in Thomas Jefferson's garden at Monticello, where his cooks used it for jams and jellies when lemons became scarce. Today, lemon balm holds therapeutic value as a soothing treatment for anxiety, wounds, chicken pox, cold sores and acne.
Benefits
The leaves of lemon balm contain potent astringent and antibacterial properties useful for cleansing pores to reduce blackheads. Due to rosmarinic acid, one of lemon balm's key antioxidant ingredients, herbal face washes containing the herb may also benefit the complexion. The acid has a slightly drying effect that helps reduce oily, acne-prone skin. In addition, Dr. Heather Boon, a licensed pharmacist and author of "55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs," says studies indicate that rosmarinic acid exerts an anti-inflammatory action that may prove useful for alleviating redness and swelling associated with acne outbreaks.
Usage
Lemon balm is available in cream, tablet and tea forms. Many commercial beauty products also contain the herb. In the book "Alternative Cures" naturopathic physician Dr. Michael Lipelt suggests applying as needed a lemon balm ointment, which is available at health food stores. Face washes, soaps and astringents may also yield benefits. Follow product directions.
Side Effects
If you take barbiturates, you should avoid oral use of lemon balm as it can increase the sedative effects of such drugs. Because animal studies suggest that lemon balm essential oil may raise pressure in the eye, Phyllis A. Balch, nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing," advises glaucoma patients not to use the oil. Confirmation of lemon balm's safety for pregnant and lactating women is still in question.
References
- "Nature's Medicine"; Steven Foster; 2008
- Herbal Legacy: History of Lemon Balm
- "55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs"; Heather Boon, BSc.Phm., Ph.D.; 2009
- "Alternative Cures"; Bill Gottlieb; 2000
- University of Michigan Health System: Lemon Balm
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