Melissa officinalis
Also known as Melissa.
A calming herb that is useful for nervous stomachs, colic, heart spasms, relieving colds, flus, and fevers, plus a powerful antiviral, and soothing & uplifting tea for nervous tension, anxiety and depression.
Learn about Lemon Balm
Lemon balm hails from the Mediterranean, where it has been cultivated for around 2000 years! Its latin name ‘Melissa’ means ‘bee’, and it is definitely a bee attracting plant. Herbalist Avicenna recommended it “to make the heart merry”. Paracelsus claimed that Lemon Balm could completely revitalise the body, and royalty prized it to keep in good health.
Lemon balm is a common garden herb with a pleasing flavour, and is even gentle enough for children. It is a calming herb that is useful for nervous stomachs, colic as well as heart spasms. Its carminative action helps dispel gas.
The hot tea helps bring on a sweat that can help relieve colds, flus, and fevers. It is also a powerful antiviral, useful for mumps and other viral infections. Recently it has been found to be very effective in treating symptoms of herpes simplex, when used topically as an ointment, wash or poultice of fresh leaves.
Lemon balm makes a soothing & uplifting tea for nervous tension, anxiety and depression. Aromatherapists use the essential oil (or simply sniffing the tea or fresh leaves) to reduce nervousness, insomnia and depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use Lemon Balm for sleep?
When should I use Lemon Balm for sleep?
A member of the mint family, Lemon balm has been traditionally used to improve mood and cognitive function, but it also has mild sedative properties. Lemon balm makes a delicious addition to bedtime tea blends, often combined with other calming herbs like Chamomile or Valerian for enhanced effects. So use this for sleep when you want to potentiate other herbs, or if your low mood is what is causing you to stay awake.
Common Uses
Anxiety, Breastfeeding, Cold & Flu, Cold Sores, Colic, Depression, Digestion, Digestive Complaints, Fever, Children, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Heart Palpitations, Indigestion, Urinary Tract Infections, Menstrual Complaints, Mood Enhancement, Nausea, Nervous System, Relaxation, Restlessness, Shingles, Stress, Tension, Trauma (Emotional), and Upset Stomach.Precautions
There is a theoretical possibility that it can interfere with thyroid medication, so caution should be exercised in this instance.
Precautions
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Lemon Balm
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Sleepy Time Herbal Tea Blend
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Stress Less Herbal Tea Blend
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References
Deni Brown (2002), New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses, p.235.
Kathi Keville (1991), The Illustrated Herb Encyclopedia, p.125.