Lemon Balm
(also referred to as...)
Balm, Common Balm
Latin Name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Labiatae, Lamiaceae
Description
This plant has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and was used originally as a bee plant, hence the name melissa which is Greek for "honey bee". Its therapeutic uses were promoted by Arab physicians in the 10th and 11th centuries for use in anxiety and depression.
Lemon Balm is native to Southern Europe, Mediterranean and Central Europe. It was introduced all over temperate northern climates.
For harvest, cut off young shoots approximately 30cm long and use fresh or dry below 35°C in a shaded location. Plants can be harvested two to there times per year between June and September. Dried herb should be used within six months as most benefits are lost on storage.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Lemon balm has carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressive, diaphoretic, hypotensive, and anti-viral properties
It can be used to treat spasm in the digestive tract, flatulent dyspepsia, influenza, tension, and stress. Also useful for depression, especially when feelings of diminished self-worth are associated (teenagers).
Use as a cream to treat herpes. Can be used to treat hyperthyroidism as it inhibits the binding of TSH to plasma membranes and binding of immunoglobulin in Graves disease. Lemon balm has also been shown to prevent cancer cells from dividing.
Source
Aerial portions of plant.
Preparations
Infusion: Add 2 to 3 teaspoons dried herb or 8 to 10 fresh leaves cup boiling water and allow to steep covered for 15 to 20 minutes. Drink as required.
Tincture: 2 to 6mL (1 teaspoon) three times daily.
Creams: Replace water in formula with equivalent amount of a strong, strained infusion (only use enough water to cover herbs)
Combine lemon balm with lavender and lime blossom for stress and tension, hops, chamomile, or meadowsweet for digestive problems, bugleweed and motherwort for hyperthyroidism, and caraway and St. John's Wort for depression.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
No known contraindications.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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