Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Overview
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a sweetly scented, perennial herb growing up to about 5 ft (1.5 m), with small white flowers and toothed leaves that release a distinct lemon aroma. Traditionally used as a calming herb for stress, insomnia, and mild depression, lemon balm also exhibits notable antiviral properties—especially against herpes simplex.
Traditional uses & properties
Antidepressant & Nervine: Relieves tension, anxiety, irritability, and can help with mild depression by lifting spirits. Antiseptic & Antiviral: Highly effective against cold sores (herpes); also beneficial for shingles and other infections. Carminative & Digestive Tonic: Eases gas, bloating, indigestion, and colic, especially when stress-related. Antithyroid: In combination with bugleweed, helps calm hyperthyroid activity.
Preparations & dosage
Fresh leaf (1:2, 85% alcohol, 10% glycerin); dried leaf (1:5, 65% alcohol, 10% glycerin); 2–5 ml (0.4–1 tsp.) 3 times daily
Hot infusion, steeped 30 minutes; 8 ounces 1–4 times daily
Steep 4–8 hours; 4–8 ounces 1–4 times daily
Fresh leaf (1:6, 80% glycerin sealed simmer method); dried leaf (1:6); 2.5–10 ml (0.5–2 tsp.) 3 times daily
Safety & precautions
Essential Oil (Internal Use): Avoid unless under professional supervision. No Major Warnings: Generally gentle, though it can reduce thyroid function and should be used cautiously in hypothyroidism.
Habitat
Native to southern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, lemon balm is now found worldwide in temperate climates. It thrives in well-drained soil with ample sunlight, propagating from seeds or cuttings in spring. Harvest occurs before or when flowers open, typically in early summer.
Traditionally used for
Related herbs
- Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a perennial herb up to about 5 ft (1.5 m), featuring toothed, palm-shaped leaves and clusters of pink, double-lipped flowers. As both a nervine and a cardiac remedy, motherwort is traditionally prescribed for stress-related heart palpitations, mild hypertension, and female reproductive concerns.
- Pulsatilla (Pulsatilla vulgaris)
Pulsatilla (Pulsatilla vulgaris), also known as pasque flower, is a small, hairy perennial to about 6 in (15 cm). It bears purple-blue, bell-shaped flowers in spring. Traditionally used for spasmodic pain in the reproductive system, headaches, and emotional distress, pulsatilla can be helpful for mood swings, premenstrual syndrome, and nervous tension.