Lemon Balm

lemon balm

Lemon Balm

 

Botanical name: Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae)

Parts used: aerial parts

Energetics: cooling, drying

Taste: sour, slightly bitter

Actions: relaxant, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, carminative, antiviral, nerve tonic

Constituents: volatile oil (citral, cryophyllene oxide, linalool, and citronellal)

 

Medicinal Preparations:

Tincture: 1/2 tsp 3 times a day

Tea: Infusion 

 

Description:

Lemon balm has a long tradition as a tonic remedy that raises the spirits and comforts the heart. Today, this sweet-smelling herb is still widely used for its calming properties, and new research shows that it can help significantly in the treatment of cold sores. 

Research:

Volatile oil: citral and citronellal in particular in German research has shown to calm the central nervous system.

Polyphenols: polyphenols are antiviral and help combat viral infections in the body.

Thyroid: lemon balm inhibits thyroid function.

Traditional Western Uses:

Traditional uses: include healing wounds, relieving palpitations and relaxing the heart, and treating toothaches.

Modern relaxing tonic: It helps reduce feelings of nervousness and panic and often quiets a racing heart, being a valuable remedy for palpitations. Lemon balm is useful when too much anxiety is causing digestive problems such as indigestion, acidity, nausea, bloating, and colicky pains. 

Cold sores: relieves cold sores and reduces the chances of further outbreaks.

Hormonal herb: with the discovery of its antithyroid effect, the herb can be given to people with an overactive thyroid. 

Other uses: first-aid remedy for cuts and insect stings/bites and fevers. 

 

*Chevallier, Andrew, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, New York City, Penguin Random House, 1996.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases. Please check with your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition before using or consuming any herbal products. Keep out of reach from children and pets. I am not a doctor and therefore I can not give medical advice.