Lemon Balm / Melissa officinalis
NAME
Lemon Balm
LATIN NAME
Melissa officinalis
Also Known As
Balm, sweet balm, bee balm, Melissa.
ORIGIN
Southern Europe.
PARTS USED
Leaves.
TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Lemon balm is known for its calming and soothing properties. Lemon balm is used to treat sleeping problems, stimulate the appetite and treat nervous stomach ailments. Lemon balm is often combined with other calming, soothing herbs, such as Valerian, Chamomile, and Hops, to enhance the overall relaxing effect. Its effect is focused on the nervous system and the digestive system. It is a stomachic, anti-spasmodic and carminative, so it is not only good for settling cramps of the digestive tract but also relieves the cramps of pre-menstrual tension. However as a nervine it also settles emotional upset and is an anti-depressant. So it is a great herb to aid women in the menstrual cycle. It is also used traditionally with nervous system disorders such as migraine headaches, vertigo, hysteria and epilepsy.
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
The Greek Dioscorides used lemon balm as a medicinal herb and describes it as being useful to treat a disordered state of the nervous system. In the 1600s the Swiss physician Paracelsus called it Hearts Delight as it could revive a man.
CONSTITUENTS
Citronellal, Triterpenens, Geranial, Neral, Rosmarinic acid, Geraniol, Flavonoids, Polyphenols.
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
Combines well with Valerian and Chamomile.
Recommended Dosage
Powdered, crushed, cut, or whole: 2 grams per day
Infusion: 2 grams in 150 ml of boiling water
1:1 Fluid Extract: 2 ml dose per day
1:5 Tincture: 10 ml dose per day
PRECAUTIONS
Lemon Balm is mild, gentle and safe for children. It is wise, however, not to take it concurrently with barbiturates for insomnia or anxiety, as it may increase their effects.
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