Herbs - Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis).

What Is It?

Lemon balm, balm or Melissa is an aromatic plant that originates from southern Europe, but now grows freely all over the world. It is often found as a popular plant in domestic herb gardens due to its pleasant lemon fragrance and attractive white flowers. It is best grown in a pot due to its invasive habit. The whole plant is used in herbal medicine.

Action

This herb contains a lemon-smelling volatile oil which consists of terpenes that demonstrate sedative and carminative (wind relieving) effects. It also contains phenolic acids, bioflavanoids and other constituents that seem responsible for its thyroid-regulating actions. It has well known healing, anti-viral benefits for cold sores (herpes simplex) and it is said to be antibacterial, antispasmodic, antidepressant, antihistamine and a heart sedative and brain tonic when in shock or stress.

Uses

Historically lemon balm has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

• Anxiety
• Cold sores (as a tea and topically)
• Depression
• Genital herpes and infections (topically)
• Indigestion (nervous)
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Panic attacks

Other information

Lemon balm has also been used to treat upsets such as colic, heartburn and wind. In addition, sleep disorders, viral infections, nervousness, migraine, nerve pain and heart problems may also benefit from its use. Some preliminary studies have suggested that lemon balm may protect the thyroid gland from antibodies that cause hyperthyroidism (grave’s disease). It is also considered to suppress the release of thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) by blocking certain signals in the brain. It is readily available as a loose herb or herbal teas for internal consumption. Topically it is available in lipstick preparations for treating cold sores, or as aromatherapy oil - Melissa.

Cautions

• Lemon balm appears to have suppressing effects on thyroid hormone production and is therefore best avoided if you already have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and are using thyroid hormone replacement drugs.



• If you suffer from glaucoma you should avoid using more potent, volatile oil preparations as it may raise the pressure in the eye.



• At the time of writing this article no well known side effects, contra-indications or drug interactions occur from using lemon balm.

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