Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Melissa
Species: M. officinalis

Synonyms and Common names: Sweet Balm, Lemon Balm.

Description and Habitat: The root-stock is short, the stem square and branching, grows 1 to 2 feet high, and has at each joint pairs of broadly ovate or heart-shaped, crenate or toothed leaves which emit a fragrant lemon odour when bruised. They also have a distinct lemon taste. The flowers, white or yellowish, are in loose, small bunches from the axils of the leaves and bloom from June to October. The plant dies down in winter, but the root is perennial. Lemon balm grows best in rich, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. Tolerated pH range is 4.5 to 7.6. Prefers full sun, but will do well in partial shade. Once established, lemon balm self-sows freely and will spread if unchecked.

Parts used: The leaf – dried and cut.

Harvesting: Harvest before it flowers for optimum fragrance. Be careful not to bruise the leaves as you harvest. Take leaves throughout the season. For full harvest, cut the entire plant 2" above the ground. Dry on trays rather than hanging in the shade, and dry quickly to prevent it from turning black. Do not harvest unless sunny weather is predicted for several days. Plant yield may be scant the first year, but will prove ample in the second.

Constituents: Volatile oils, flavanoids, polyphenols.

Actions: Soothing, sedative, promotes sweating.

Indications: Insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, herpes and hyperthyroidism

Therapeutics and Pharmacology: In the nervous system, the oil is the main agent used to calm and soothe, and has a relaxant effect on the muscles. This has been supported by research, where melissa has been used in states of excitability, palpitations, depression, and headache. The polyphenolics, especially the rosmarinic acid, are responsible for an antiviral action: a cream made from lemon balm has been shown to be affective against herpes simplex, more commonly known as cold sores. The duration of the outbreaks have been halved and the outbreaks themselves become less frequent. Lemon balm also has an action on the thyroid by reducing over-activity of the gland (hyperthyroidism). In the reproductive system, lemon balm has been used in the menopause to ease symptoms, including hot flushes and anxiety, and to regulate periods, as well as alleviating period pains.

Contraindications: No significant adverse effects from lemon balm have been reported. Unlike sedative medications, lemon balm is safe even while driving or operating machinery. Lemon balm's sedating effects are not intensified by alcohol.

Persons with glaucoma should avoid lemon balm essential oil, as animal studies show that it may raise pressure in the eye.
Some people may experience dermatitis after excessive contact with lemon balm.
Honeybees like lemon balm, so be careful there are none on the plants that you pick

Preparation and Dosage: A simple tea, made from 2 tablespoons of the herb steeped for ten to fifteen minutes in 150 ml of boiling water, is often used. A tincture can also be used at 2-3 ml three times per day. Highly concentrated topical extracts for herpes can be applied three to four times per day to the herpes lesions.
Lemon balm is frequently combined with other medicinal plants. For example, peppermint and lemon balm together are very effective for soothing an upset stomach. Valerian is often combined with lemon balm for insomnia and nerve pain.

Leaves
Infusion - Take for depression, nervous exhaustion, indigestion, nausea, and the early stages of colds and influenza. Best made with fresh leaves.
Tincture - Has a stronger but similar action to the infusion. Best made from fresh leaves. Small doses (5 - 10 drops) are usually more effective.
Compress - Use a pad soaked in the infusion to relieve painful swellings, such as gout.
Ointment - Use for sores, insect bites, or to repel insects. Combine 5 ml oil with 100 g ointment base for insect bites or to repel insects.
Massage Oil - Dilute 5 - 10 drops oil in 20 ml almond or olive oil, and use for tension or chest complaints.
Lemon Balm Tea
2 cups dried lemon balm leaves
1 cup rosebuds
1 cup orange blossoms
Remove leaves from the lemon balm twigs, and discard twigs. Mix leaves with rosebuds and orange blossoms, crushing as you combine. Use 2 teaspoons of this mixture to make 1 cup of tea, and sweeten each cup with 1 teaspoon of honey.

Additional Comments: Lemon balm is a hardy lemon-scented perennial that was a favourite with bee-keepers in ancient times. They would rub some of the crushed fresh leaves on beehives to encourage bees to return to their hives and bring others with them. In fact, the generic name Melissa comes from the Greek word for bee; another common name for it happens to