Lemon Balm Supplements

Lemon balm is a commonly used supplement for various health conditions. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that lemon balm is a plant indigenous to southern Europe that has long been used as an herbal supplement to treat Alzheimer's disease, cold sores and other ailments. Lemon balm has been used both internally and topically, or on the surface of your skin. This supplement is also known as Melissa officinalis.

Plant Information

Lemon balm grows throughout the world and possesses leaves with a lemon-like smell and white flowers. Various parts of the lemon balm plant may be used in herbal supplements, including its leaves, stems and flowers. Lemon balm can grow to a height of 4 feet. Some of the most important constituents in lemon balm supplements include terpenes, tannins and eugenol. Lemon balm is part of the mint family of plants.

Actions

Lemon balm supplements act as a tranquilizer, sedative and stomachic. A supplement with stomachic action improves stomach function. Lemon balm supplements are also purported to induce sweating and lower fevers, and they have an antiviral action. Lemon balm has a mild antidepressant action and helps dilate blood vessels, which in turn reduces blood pressure.

Uses

Lemon balm supplements have been used to treat numerous ailments. In his book "Plant Medicine in Practice," naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr. states that lemon balm may help treat female reproductive system complaints and gastric dyspepsia. The University of Michigan Health System reports that lemon balm supplements may also effectively treat colic, genital herpes, infection, insomnia, indigestion, Alzheimer's disease and cold sores. Colds, migraines, depression and hypertension may also respond to lemon balm supplements.

Caution

Although lemon balm is a natural substance, using this herb may cause negative health effects in certain individuals. If you have hypothyroidism or if you are pregnant, you should avoid taking lemon balm supplements until you speak with your doctor. Lemon balm supplements may be taken by most individuals under the care and guidance of a health care professional. For more information about this herbal supplement, consult an herbalist, naturopathic physician or other health care provider with knowledge of botanical medicine.