Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm is a perennial member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family with valuable healing properties. Sometimes called common balm or balm mint, it is naturalized in North America. I love the lemony scent that is released when I walk through a patch of lemon balm. Identification: Lemon balm is a mint with shiny bright green leaves and a lemony scent. It may grow to 3 feet (0.9m) in height and is easy to cultivate in the garden. Its appearance is similar to mint or catnip, but the lemon scent is intense when leaves are disturbed or crushed. The leaves are small heart shapes with scalloped edges and a slightly crinkled surface. Small flowers are usually white to yellow but can be pink or purple. Edible Use: The leaves are edible and often used to make tea and as a flavoring ingredient. It makes a delicious tea for medicinal or culinary use and is enhanced by the use of raw honey to sweeten it. Medicinal Use: Lemon balm leaves are often used as a tea, extract, tincture, oil, or ointment. Relieves Anxiety and Insomnia: Lemon balm acts to reduce anxiety and helps people get better sleep. It calms the body and improves mood and intellectual performance in children and adults without negative effects. For reducing the effects of sleep disorders, especially during menopause, try a combination of lemon balm and valerian. Lemon balm helps stop the constant flow of anxious thoughts. It also helps with ADHD and mild depression. Mind Calming and Clear Thinking: Lemon balm seems to calm the mind and allows people to

think more clearly. It increases mental alertness and promotes a positive attitude.

Anti-Viral Effects: Herpes, Cold Sores, and

Shingles: Lemon balm is known as an anti-viral and is effective against herpes and cold sores when applied directly to the skin. It acts against the herpes simplex virus and when used regularly, people report fewer outbreaks and fast healing of existing lesions. It also gives relief of symptoms like itching and burning. Try lemon balm essential oil or lemon balm ointment on herpes and cold sores. Apply several times daily or as needed. For shingles take a tincture internally as well as apply topically to the affected area. PMS Symptoms: Lemon balm reduces symptoms of PMS, including cramping, anxiety, and headaches. It works well for PMS in teenage and adult women. It is an anti-spasmodic. Protects the Heart: Lemon balm, used regularly, lowers triglycerides and improves cholesterol synthesis. It controls heart palpitations and lowers blood pressure while protecting the heart. It controls the electrical pulses that drive heart palpitations, tachycardia, and arrhythmias. Protects the Liver: Lemon balm protects the liver from some of the negative effects of the American diet. It supports the liver’s production of antioxidants and helps detox the liver. Lemon Balm Flowers, Gideon Pisanty, CC Antibacterial and Antifungal: Lemon Balm oil BY 3.0 has a high level of antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is particularly active against Candida yeast infections. Use lemon balm oil, tincture or extract twice a day. Diabetes: Lemon balm oil, tincture and extract are effective in preventing and treating diabetes. It helps

control blood sugar levels and protects the body against the oxidative stress caused by diabetes. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant: Lemon balm oil acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It reduces inflammation in the body, protecting against disease and reducing pain. Fights Cancer: Lemon balm has been shown to kill some cancer cell lines, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and aggressive brain cancers. Lemon balm supports the body in fighting the cancer cells. Regulates the Thyroid: Hyperthyroidism, or an over-active thyroid benefits from the regular consumption of lemon balm. People with Grave’s disease or other over-active thyroid problems find that the oil, tincture or extract helps regulate thyroid-binding problems. Aids in Digestion: Lemon balm extract has a protective effect on the gastrointestinal system and prevents gastric ulcers. It aids digestion and is useful in treating constipation as well as colic. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Lemon balm extract is believed to reduce damage from plaque forming proteins in Alzheimer’s disease. Regular administration of lemon balm extract increases cognitive function over time and reduces agitation in Alzheimer’s patients. The therapy is not a cure, but is observed to slow progression and help promote mild improvements. As an anti-oxidant it may help protect the brain from neurodegeneration and oxidative damage. Lemon Balm also improves memory and problem solving in people of all ages and health levels including Alzheimer’s patients. Heals Skin and Reduces Signs of Aging: People who use lemon balm on their skin report that it reduces wrinkles and fine lines giving the skin a more youthful appearance. It is particularly beneficial in supporting the skin against minor blemishes and infections. Harvesting: Left alone, lemon balm may take over the garden. Several bouts of pruning keep the plant in check. Clip off stems or remove individual leaves for drying on screens, in a dehydrator, or hand them in bunches to dry. I like to harvest just before the plant flowers (early to late summer).

Warning: Lemon balm is considered safe for most people, but should not be used by people on thyroid medication or with underactive thyroids (Hypothyroidism). Consult a medical profession before using lemon balm regularly if you are pregnant or nursing. Possible side effects include headache, nausea, bloating, gas, indigestion, dizziness, and allergic reactions. Consult a doctor if you are taking other medications or planning surgical treatments. Recipes. Lemon Balm Tea: You will need: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon balm leaves or 1t dried and 1 cup boiling water. Tear the leaves into small pieces and put into a tea ball, or filter the leaves after brewing. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves or ball and allow to infuse for 5 minutes. Keep the pot or cup covered while brewing and drinking to retain the beneficial aromatics. Lemon Balm Extract/Tincture: Ingredients: 1pint (500ml) jar with a tight-fitting lid, 80 proof or higher vodka or another alcoholic beverage. Wash and dry the leaves and crush them lightly. Fill the jar 3/4 full with leaves and pour the vodka, filling the jar completely. Cap and store in a cool, dark place, shaking periodically. After 4 to 6 weeks, strain and label.