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. Piper methysticum, or kava kava, is a plant that is native to the Pacific rim and Hawaiian islands. Both plants have calming properties and are sold as herbal supplements for a variety of similar and different purposes. As with any supplement, talk to your health-care practitioner before taking lemon balm or kava kava.
Active Ingredients in Lemon Balm and Kava Kava
Phytochemicals are potent antioxidant compounds found in plants that are thought to support the immune system and prevent disease in humans. The leaves and leaf oil of lemon balm have been used medicinally since the Middle Ages and the active ingredient in lemon balm is a volatile oil that contains numerous phytochemicals including geranial, liminene, flavanoids and tannins. Kava kava has also been used medicinally for centuries and its active ingredients are derived from a different family of phytochemicals called kavalactones.
Similar Uses
Lemon balm and kava kava have both been used traditionally to reduce anxiety, relieve stress related disorders and treat insomnia. Due to the sedative effect of both herbs, the two are often combined with other calming herbs such as valerian, chamomile and hops, and used to promote physical and mental relaxation and a restful sleep. Both herbs help to relieve muscle spasms and reduce pain. In addition, both lemon balm and kava kava are used to promote gastrointestinal health. Kava has diuretic and gastrointestinal cleansing properties, while lemon balm helps to ease pain and discomfort from indigestion, reduce gas and bloating and treat colic.
Uses Associated Only With Lemon Balm
Kava is only used internally, while lemon balm is used internally and applied externally for therapeutic purposes. According to "Nursing Herbal Remedies Handbook," lemon balm has antiviral properties, and it is therefore used topically to help prevent and hasten the healing of cold sores. In addition, lemon balm is applied externally to kill bacteria, enhance wound healing and treat venomous insect bites and stings. Lemon balm is also used as a compress to relieve neck stiffness, nerve pain and rheumatism. Other uses for lemon balm that kava is not used for include the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, migraine headaches, heart palpitations, vomiting and high blood pressure.
Uses Associated Only With Kava Kava
According to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," kava kava is an antiseptic and helps to treat urinary tract infections. The kavalactones found in kava kava may also alter levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are two chemicals in your brain responsible for a happy mood and feelings of pleasure. As such, kava kava is touted as a natural antidepressant. MSKCC warns however that there is conflicting data concerning whether or not kava increases levels of dopamine and serotonin and more research needs to be done to confirm the efficacy of kava kava for the treatment of depression.
Side-Effects
Lemon balm and kava kava are both used for many similar purposes. However, lemon balm has the advantage of having no reported adverse side effects. Liver toxicity has been reported from the use of kava kava, and side effects such as drowsiness and a feeling of intoxication can also occur.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Nursing Herbal Medicine Handbook;" Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2005
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Kava
- • University of Maryland Medical Center: Lemon Balm
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