Herbal Profile: Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Botanical Information:

  • Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis
  • Common Names: Lemon balm, balm mint, common balm
  • Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
  • Parts Used: Leaves

Active Compounds:

  • Volatile Oils: Citral (neral and geranial), citronellal, linalool
  • Polyphenols: Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid
  • Flavonoids: Quercetin, luteolin, apigenin
  • Triterpenes: Ursolic acid, oleanolic acid

Therapeutic Properties:

  • Antiviral: Effective against viruses such as herpes simplex
  • Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the body
  • Antimicrobial: Fights against bacteria and fungi
  • Sedative/Calming: Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety
  • Digestive Aid: Eases digestive discomfort and bloating
  • Cognitive Support: Enhances mood and cognitive function

Uses:

  1. Anxiety and Stress Relief:
  2. Sleep Aid:
  3. Digestive Health:
  4. Cold Sores:
  5. Cognitive Function:
  6. Menstrual Cramps:

Methods of Use:

  • Tea: Fresh or dried leaves can be brewed to make a calming tea.
  • Tincture: Concentrated extract taken orally, usually diluted in water.
  • Essential Oil: Used in aromatherapy or diluted for topical application.
  • Capsules/Tablets: Standardized extracts available as dietary supplements.
  • Topical Creams/Ointments: Used for cold sores and skin irritations.

Dosage:

  • Tea: 1.5 to 4.5 grams of dried lemon balm leaves per cup of boiling water, steeped for 5-10 minutes, taken 2-3 times daily.
  • Tincture: 2-3 mL, taken 2-3 times daily.
  • Capsules/Tablets: Typically, 300-500 mg, taken 1-3 times daily.

Precautions:

  • Generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately.
  • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Consult with a healthcare provider before use.
  • Interactions: May interact with sedative medications, thyroid medications, and other central nervous system depressants.

Growing Conditions:

  • Climate: Prefers temperate climates.
  • Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
  • Watering: Regular watering, but avoid waterlogging.

Harvesting:

  • Harvest leaves just before flowering for the highest concentration of essential oils.
  • Leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use.

Lemon balm is a versatile and beneficial herb with a wide range of uses in herbal medicine, making it a valuable addition to any herbalist's repertoire.