Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is a plant in the mint family used as an herbal remedy. It grows wild and in gardens and has blooms with small yellow flowers in spring and summer. The leaf extract tastes similar to lemon and rubbing the leaves brings out a lemon-like smell. Lemon balm is available commercially in aromatherapy essential oil, topical creams, tinctures, tea and capsules.
Calming Effects
Lemon balm combined with other calming herbs helps decrease anxiety and improve relaxation and sleep, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Although research on lemon balm by itself for these purposes is lacking, the herb has been used traditionally for centuries for its calming properties. Participants in one study cited by the UMMC experienced elevated mood and significantly-increased alertness and calmness while taking two separate 600 mg doses of lemon balm for seven days.
Alzheimer's Disease Benefits
Research indicates lemon balm may improve cognitive function and reduce agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease, according to the UMMC. A systematic review of medical literature published in the December 2006 issue of "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine," for instance, found lemon balm effective in treating cognitive disturbance of Alzheimer's disease. Patients taking lemon balm showed a reduction in cognitive deficits and the herb also had a beneficial sedative effect on these individuals.
Digestive Benefits
Like mint, lemon balm has soothing effects on the digestive tract, as explained by NutraSanus. To relieve indigestion, gas and bloating, NutraSanus recommends an adult dosage of 2 to 3 ml tincture in capsule form three times daily. The UMMC notes that some research supports the use of lemon balm in combination with other herbs for relieving indigestion.
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