Lemon Balm
(Melissa officinalis)
Also know as Balm
Botanical Information
A fragrant annual herb from the mint family with lush green foliage and white flowers.
Working with Lemon Balm
Part(s) Used
Leaf
Herb Forms
Tincture, essential oil, bulk herb.
Lemon balm works mainly as a gentle sedative and digestive aid. It is beneficial for fevers, flatulence, painful menstruation, and to relieve tension. It calms the nervous system and relieves tension and insomnia. Lemon balm has a particularly beneficial effect on nervous stomach with symptoms such as heartburn and knots in the stomach. As a powerful antiviral, a tea concentrate, not the essential oil, is used internally and externally to treat cold sores, genital herpes, and oral herpes sores. Its appealing flavor makes it useful for acute children’s ailments. Commercial creams are made of a watery extract of the plant to treat herpes lesions, as well as for colds and flu. The essential oil of lemon balm is effective for melancholy and depression.
Lemon Balm has a taste of SPICY and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
None noted.
Conditions treated with Lemon Balm
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
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Condition
Treatment Support
antiviral
Application
ointment externally, tea or tincture internally
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.