Lemon balm, also known as bee balm or by its scientific name, Melissa officinalis, is a common herb, grown in many herb gardens for its lemon scent and use in potpourris and culinary dishes. Lemon balm is also used for many medicinal treatments, but before consuming lemon balm, speak with your physician if you are being treated for any medical condition, or are on any medication. As an herb, lemon balm can enhance, or interfere with, the action of medications.
Treatment for Insomnia and Anxiety
Lemon balm has been found to be effective in the treatment of insomnia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lemon balm can help stimulate sleep by reducing your level of anxiety. The Herbs2000 herbal encyclopedia explains that lemon balm contains oils, particularly citronellal and citral, which act as muscle relaxers and soothe the nervous system. When combined with other relaxing herbs, such as valerian or chamomile, the UMMC reports that lemon balm is more effective. Because of its ability to calm the nervous system and relax the muscles, lemon balm is also used by some as a treatment for anxiety. Lemon balm can be used as a tea, tincture or capsules, all of which are available in health food stores and some pharmacies.
Treatment for Herpes
Lemon balm has also been scientifically proven to be an effective treatment for herpes sores. A study in the September 2008 issue of "Phytomedicine" explains that when lemon balm is applied as part of a topical ointment, it exhibits antiviral properties against both the herpes simplex-1 and herpes simplex-2 virus. When applied to the skin, lemon balm prevented the growth and spread of the herpes virus. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that topical lemon balm helps heal the sores, redness and swelling associated with herpes outbreaks in as little as two days. Lemon balm is available as a topical ointment or cream, and can also be found in health food stores or pharmacies.
Treatment for Wounds
The antiviral nature of lemon balm, which makes it an effective herpes treatment, is also what makes it an excellent treatment for wounds. The antiviral properties of lemon balm help protect the skin and open wounds from infection.
Treatment for Dementia
The 2006 issue of "Current Pharmaceutical Design" reports that several herbs were investigated for their potential to treat the decline in mental function that can come with aging, and leads to dementia. Out of all of the herbs tested, which included rosemary and sage, lemon balm was found to bind to receptors in the brain, causing an antianxiety affect, and decreasing the decline of memory function and thought processes. The conclusion of the report is that lemon balm, either combined with other therapies or on its own, may be a safe, effective treatment for dementia. Lemon balm can help maintain brain function when used on a regular basis as a tea or tincture, available from health food stores or pharmacies, or uses the tea leaves from your own lemon balm plant. To make a warm drink, crush a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves and steep them in 1 cup of hot water for four minutes. Strain and drink, and add some honey, if desired.
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