Melissa officinalis Monograph
Scientific Name: Melissa Officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae
Common Name: Lemon Balm
Parts Used and Collection:
Leaves and essential oil of leaves. For the highest concentration of volatile oils, harvest aerial parts just before flowers open. To harvest, cut stem 2 inches above ground. Dry within 2 days of picking – in the shade at temps between 90-110º F.
Habitat and Cultivation:
Native to Southern & Central Europe, N. Africa. Now found widespread throughout the globe.
Grows easily from seed and germinates better if seeds are uncovered. Keep seeds moist and soil well-drained. Grows best in full sun.
Taste:
Fresh, Citrusy, Lemony
Energetics:
Cooling, drying, sour
Actions:
Antiviral, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Nervine, Trophorestorative
Body System:
Digestive system, Nervous system, Respiratory system, Reproductive system
Modern Indications/uses:
Carminative nervine used for anxiety, indigestion, stress, headaches, as a trophorestorative it tonifies and repairs the nervous system. Used as a radioprotectant – study showed that when tea was consumed daily, radiology workers showed increased antioxidant activity and decreased DNA damage.
History and Traditional Use:
Greek physician Dioscorides used lemon balm topically on bites – including scorpion and dog – and would add it to the wine of the patient as well. Used in Arab countries for heart disorders and to brighten mood. In the 19th century, Pereiara’s Materia Medica noted that lemon balm was an effective diaphoretic and emmenagogue.
Specific Indications:
Herpes simplex sores as balm, Depression, Anxiety, Dyspepsia (indigestion), Insomnia, Stress, Dementia Agitation (see below)
Preliminary studies have shown improvement in mild dementia symptoms when taken daily, by mouth, for 4 months. Lemon Balm lotion was also seen to improve dementia agitation. (60 drops per day)
Constituents:
Volatile oils, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, triterpenic acids (Hoffmann, 2003)
Dosage and Preparation:
Infusion: 1-2 teaspoon(s) of dried lemon balm (stems and leaves) in 1 cup of hot water, infused for 10-15 minutes (drink 2-4 cups/day).
Tincture: 3-5 mL, 3-4x/day of a 1:5
Also prepared as:
Salve, glycerite, soak, infused honey
Combinations:
When combined with valerian, lemon balm was found to significantly improve social behavior and symptoms in children with hyperactivity, impulse issues, and difficulty concentrating. (Gromball, et al., 2014).
Works well with sedative herbs like passionflower and valerian to encourage restful sleep.
Also effective when paired with California Poppy, Chamomile, Lavender, Catnip to calm the nervous system and improve anxiety symptoms.
Aromatherapy:
Calming and uplifting, good post-trauma, shock, panic etc. Also useful to soothe painful menstruation.
Blends well with: Basil, Chamomile, Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Neroli, Rose, Rosemary and Ylang Ylang.
Safety/Contraindications:
Should not be taken during pregnancy or if patient has hypothyroidism (may reduce thyroid function and interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy) or is taking thyroid replacement hormones.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding:
Traditionally used during breastfeeding to relieve colic symptoms in infants. Used in moderate amounts during pregnancy to help with morning sickness.
References
Hoffmann, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Kowalchik, Claire, et al. Rodales Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Rodale Press, 1998
Winston, D, and Kuhn, Merrily. (2007). Herbal Therapy and Supplements. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Wiliams & Wilkins.
Perry, E. and Howes, M. J. Medicinal plants and dementia therapy: herbal hopes for brain aging? CNS.Neurosci.Ther 2011;17(6):683-698.