LEMON BALM

While native to southern Europe, lemon balm is now found growing throughout the world. The lemony smell and pretty white flowers of the lemon balm plant have led to its widespread cultivation in gardens. The leaves, stems, and flowers of lemon balm are used medicinally.

Lemon balm can be compared with the effectiveness of mint in the soothing effect it has on the stomach and the positive effect it has on the digestive system. Lemon balm is used to relieve pain and discomfort associated with indigestion and offers relief for such symptoms as gas and bloating. Lemon balm is also beneficial to those suffering from nervousness, anxiety and slight insomnia. Lemon balm helps to calm and relax the nerves and has been used successfully since the Middle Ages.

Lemon balm holds some sedative properties found specifically in some of the chemicals it contains such as volatile oils, including citronellal and citrals A and B. In case studies with humans and animals alike, lemon balm has demonstrated calming effects when taken orally. When consumption doses are increased, lemon balm may induce sleep. One case study proved further benefits of lemon balm may include improved memory and lengthened attention span among patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. This may be a consequence of the presence of antioxidants in lemon balm, which are suspected to offer protection for the body’s cells from oxidation, a chemical process causing damage to the cells. Yet another case study showed the use of lemon balm in aromatherapy, applying or inhaling fragrances to affect the mood, was effective in calming overexcited individuals specifically those suffering from dementia (an increasing deficiency in thought processes caused by brain damage). In the past, lemon balm has been useful for relieving menstrual cramps, urinary spasms, and gastrointestinal complications or pain. The volatile oils in lemon balm are made up of chemical properties that help the muscles relax, particularly the muscles of the bladder, stomach, and uterus, consequently providing relief of cramps, gas, and nausea. Unfortunately, research results are still somewhat inconclusive, and human case studies are lacking to provide concrete results.

Another benefit of lemon balm is its possible ability to block some of the secretion of the thyroid gland and its ability to release hormones in the body. Consequently, lemon balm has been implemented for use in connection with Grave’s disease, which is an autoimmune condition where individuals suffer from excess thyroid hormone due to an overactive thyroid. Also note that although laboratory tests and tests conducted on animals offer great hope for the effectiveness of lemon balm, tests have still not been performed on humans and are therefore somewhat inconclusive.

Lemon balm is also used in connection with diseases or conditions involving herpes and other viruses. Creams and ointments the include lemon balm in them have noted speedy healing when applied to cold sores or genital sores induced by the herpes simplex virus. It was also noted that the infections themselves were confined while using the lemon balm and did not spread as much, and individuals reported that the use of lemon balm topically offered further relief from symptoms such as redness and itching. This beneficial application of lemon balm may be attributed to its antiviral properties chemical compounds such as caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid. No human studies have been done to prove that lemon balm is effective against bacterial and fungal activity; however, laboratory studies show that lemon balm has demonstrated some properties against both.

Dosage and Administration

For difficulty sleeping or to reduce stomach complaints, flatulence, or bloating, choose from the following:

• Tea, using 1.5 to 4.5 g herb, several times daily
• 2 to 3 mL tincture three times daily, or the equivalent in fluid extract or encapsulated form