Organic Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Family: Lamiaceae

Common Names: Balm, Balm Mint, Sweet Balm, Melissa

Botanical Description: Lemon Balm is a perennial herb with a bushy growth habit, reaching about 2 to 3 feet in height. It has broad, heart-shaped, and slightly wrinkled leaves with serrated edges. The leaves are light green and emit a strong, lemony scent when crushed. The plant produces small, white to pale yellow flowers that bloom in late summer. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees, which is reflected in the genus name Melissa, meaning "bee" in Greek.

Habitat and Cultivation: Native to Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia, Lemon Balm is now widely cultivated around the world. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and is commonly grown in herb gardens, as well as in pots for indoor cultivation.

Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowers)

Historical and Folklore Uses:

Lemon Balm has a long history of use in traditional medicine and was revered by ancient Greeks and Romans for its calming and healing properties. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. Lemon Balm was also a key ingredient in "Carmelite water," an herbal tonic developed by Carmelite nuns in the 14th century, used to treat headaches and promote longevity. In folklore, Lemon Balm was believed to bring love and good health, and it was often planted near homes for protection.

Energetics and Taste:

• Energetics: Cooling, drying
• Taste: Lemon-like, mildly sweet, slightly bitter

Medicinal Actions:

• Calmative/Nervine: Calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and promotes relaxation.
• Antiviral: Fights viral infections, particularly those affecting the skin, such as cold sores.
• Carminative: Eases digestive discomfort, including bloating, gas, and indigestion.
• Antispasmodic: Relieves muscle spasms and cramps.
• Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports overall health.
• Mild Sedative: Helps to induce sleep and treat insomnia.

System Affinities:

• Nervous System: Lemon Balm is best known for its calming effects on the nervous system, making it a popular remedy for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It helps to promote relaxation and mental clarity.
• Digestive System: The herb is used to soothe digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and gas. It also helps to relieve tension in the digestive tract.
• Immune System: Lemon Balm’s antiviral properties make it effective in treating viral infections, particularly cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus.
• Respiratory System: Lemon Balm can help alleviate symptoms of colds and flu, soothing the respiratory tract and reducing inflammation.

Active Compounds:

• Rosmarinic Acid: A potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that contributes to Lemon Balm’s calming and antiviral effects.
• Flavonoids: Compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support the herb’s calming effects.
• Tannins: Astringent compounds that help in treating viral infections, particularly cold sores.
• Terpenes (citronellal, geranial): Aromatic compounds that contribute to the lemon scent and have calming and antiviral properties.

Uses:

1. Anxiety and Stress Relief: Lemon Balm is widely used in teas, tinctures, and essential oils to reduce anxiety and stress. Its calming effects help to soothe the mind and promote relaxation.
2. Sleep Aid: Due to its mild sedative properties, Lemon Balm is often used to treat insomnia and improve sleep quality. It can be consumed as a tea or taken as a supplement before bedtime.
3. Digestive Support: Lemon Balm helps to relieve digestive discomfort, including indigestion, bloating, and gas. It is often used in teas and digestive tonics.
4. Cold Sore Treatment: Lemon Balm’s antiviral properties make it effective in treating cold sores. A cream or ointment made from Lemon Balm can be applied topically to speed up healing and reduce symptoms.
5. Cognitive Support: Lemon Balm is sometimes used to enhance cognitive function and memory, particularly in cases of mild cognitive impairment. It is believed to improve mental clarity and focus.

Cautions:

• Thyroid Issues: Lemon Balm may interfere with thyroid function, so individuals with hypothyroidism or other thyroid conditions should use it with caution and consult a healthcare provider.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Lemon Balm is generally considered safe, but it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, particularly in medicinal amounts.
• Drug Interactions: Lemon Balm may interact with sedatives and thyroid medications, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider if you are taking such medications.

Research and Studies:

1. A study published in Journal of Phytotherapy Research demonstrated the anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and cognitive-enhancing effects of Lemon Balm, supporting its traditional use in treating anxiety and improving mental clarity .
2. Research in Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlighted the antiviral properties of Lemon Balm, particularly in treating herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, validating its use for cold sores .
3. Another study in Phytomedicine confirmed the herb’s mild sedative effects, supporting its use in treating insomnia and improving sleep quality.