Melissa officinalis, commonly referred to as lemon balm, is a plant that is native to Europe and it is a member of the mint family. Lemon balm is considered a calming herb and the leaves and leaf oil have been used since the Middle Ages for a variety of health-promoting purposes.
Active Ingredients
Phytochemicals are potent antioxidant compounds found in plants that are thought to support the immune system and prevent disease in humans. The active ingredient in lemon balm is a volatile oil that contains numerous phytochemicals, including geranial, liminene, flavanoids and tannins.
Traditional Uses
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, lemon balm is used to promote digestive well-being. It helps to ease pain and discomfort from indigestion, reduce bloating, combat flatulence, calm the stomach and treat colic. Other purported uses for lemon balm include the treatment of migraine headaches, vomiting and high blood pressure. For general use, take 300 to 500 mg of dried lemon balm in capsule form, up to three times daily. Lemon balm is also used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. For Alzheimer's treatment, UMMC recommends choosing a bottle that is labeled "standardized extract, 1:1 in 45 percent alcohol" and taking 60 drops of it daily.
Soothing and Stress Relieving Benefits
One of the phytochemicals, known as citronellal, found in lemon balm is thought to have a sedative effect on the body. As such, lemon balm is often combined with other calming herbs such as valerian, chamomile and hops to reduce stress and anxiety, and to promote relaxation and a restful sleep. To promote sleep or reduce stress, combine 80 mg of lemon balm extract with valerian extract and take it three times daily, for up to 30 days. Due to its soothing effect, "Nursing Herbal Remedies Handbook" states that lemon balm is also used to treat hyperactivity disorder, nervous sleeping disorders, nervous gastrointestinal complaints, and heart palpitations that are caused by anxiety or nervousness.
External Uses
Lemon balm also has antiviral properties, and it is therefore used topically to help prevent and hasten the healing of cold sores. For cold sores, apply a cream or ointment two to four times daily to the lesion, and choose one that is labeled "1 percent of 70:1 lyophilized aqueous extract." Lemon balm is also used topically to enhance wound healing, treat venomous insect bites and stings, calm muscle spasms, numb tissue pain and kill bacteria. In addition, compresses of lemon balm are used to relieve neck stiffness, nerve pain and rheumatism.
Considerations
Lemon balm is available as a powder, capsule, liquid extract, tea, volatile oil and cream. To make lemon balm tea, add 1/4 to 1 tsp. of dried lemon balm to hot water and drink it up to four times daily.
No adverse effects have been reported from lemon balm, but the herb may interact with certain medications and you should consult with your health care practitioner before taking lemon balm orally.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lemon Balm
- "Nursing Herbal Medicine Handbook;" Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2005
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