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Have you ever heard of Melissa officinalis? It is the official name for the herb lemon balm but is also called bee balm, Melissa, sweet balm, and cure-all. Lemon balm is a member of the popular mint family from the Mediterranean region. Lemon balm leaves give off a strong lemon scent when rubbed. It’s a hardy perennial that grows into a bush about 24 inches round. It can be cut two or three times during a growing season. Lemon Balm looks very similar to mint, with light green, ridged leaves.
Lemon balm is mentioned in literature as far back as the 1600’s. Almost miraculous results are promised for this herb. Today lemon balm is found growing throughout the world. It is recognized by its pretty white flowers and stiff aromatic leaves.
Lemon balm extracts contain tannins and polyphenols. These are both antibacterial and antiviral. This makes it effective to help treat strep, mumps, and most notably, herpes. Creams and ointments that use lemon balm have been used to heal cold sores or genital sores induced by the herpes virus. However, the herb does not cause nausea, vomiting, and irregular menstruation the way prescription drugs might. The caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid compounds in lemon balm may be responsible for its antivital properties.
Lemon balm both helps speed the healing of wounds and also relieves pain. A traditional use of lemon balm is for treatment of nervous disorders such as chronic nervousness, anxiety, and slight insomnia. Like mint, lemon balm has a soothing effect on the stomach and digestive system. The volatile oils, including citronellal and citrals A and B are responsible for this.
Lemon balm extract has been administered intravenously to help normalize overactive thyroid function, particularly in those who have a hyperactive condition called Graves’ disease. Phytochemicals in lemon balm are thought to keep the antibodies that cause Graves’ disease and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from attaching to thyroid gland receptors. Lemon balm may also help to block some of the secretion of the thyroid gland and its ability to release hormones in the body. Note: If you are currently on thyroid medication, taking lemon balm may cause interaction problems with your prescribed medications.
Lemon balm has been shown to help relax spasms affecting the smooth muscles (such as those in the uterus and intestines) in the body. It is therefore sometimes recommended for treatment of painful cramping caused by conditions such as premenstrual syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome. Lemon balm may improve memory and lengthen attention span in patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Yet another case study showed the use of lemon balm in aromatherapy, applying or inhaling fragrances to affect the mood. One person shared they make floor cleaner by mixing three-parts water to one-part white vinegar, then add a few sprigs of crushed lemon balm. The fragrance masks the vinegar smell and the lemon may add some antiseptic qualities.
Lemon balm may be purchased in creams, tablets, capsules, teas, tinctures, and extracts. Typically an adult should take 1 teaspoon of lemon balm extract daily, or 1½ teaspoons of tincture. A homemade tea is made by adding 1 to 3 teaspoons of the dried lemon balm leaves to a cup of hot water. Try adding dried lemon balm leaves to your bath. If you have difficulty sleeping or have stomach problems such as flatulence, or bloating, lemon balm may be just what you need. Treating children is safe and effective. Lemon balm may be used topically on cold sores. For ingestion, adjust amounts based on the above given for a 150 pound adult.
Lemon balm has been a prize for beekeepers for hundreds of years. It both nurtures swarms, and provides a remedy for their stings. Don’t mix lemon balm with prescription drugs without checking with a doctor. This could cause serious problems. For example, lemon balm may increase the effects of prescription sedatives.
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