What is Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb from the Lamiaceae (mint) family. The leaves have a mild hint of lemon. It can be enjoyed as a culinary seasoning or used as a medicinal herb.
Historically it has been used to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic). Lemon balm was steeped in wine to elevate the mood, wound healing, and treat venomous insect bites and stings. Today, lemon balm is often combined with other calming, soothing herbs, such as valerian, chamomile, and hops, to promote relaxation. It is also used in creams to treat cold sores (oral herpes).
Most plant leaves have many benefits to the human body in one way or another. It is a God-given privilege to explore the use of them throughout our lifetime. We read in scripture, “….. and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:2 This year, 2022, there has been a great desire for me to focus on the healing properties of easy-to-grow plants and commonly neglected trees.
I am a firm believer it is our faith that heals. However, as creators, we have dominion over the value and properties assigned to the plant species as a collective throughout our generations. Everything will not work the same for everyone. Our belief and/or desire greatly influence how anything may contribute to our wellbeing.
Where can I get Lemon Balm?
Our family has grown lemon balm for over ten years in our vegetable gardens. It is the children‘s favorite herb without question. It is extremely easy to grow, tastes great, and they love it as an iced tea. There is always a noticeable uplifting in their mood after drinking it.
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The very first time we grew lemon balm was from seed as a science experiment for homeschool. We planted it in a foam cup, lined the walls of a cardboard box with foil, and used a homemade indoor lighting system. After the plant outgrew the cup, we planted it outside. It is in the mint family. So it can potentially get out of control if not contained. Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that will produce up until frost. In mild climates, you will see it return in the warm seasons. If you don’t have space for it to spread, I suggest you plant it in a large container.
You can purchase plants from your preferred online or local nursery. We, at Present Healing, sell lemon balm salve and live plants in our shop.
Tinctures and oils are also available for purchase at a variety of outlets. Please do proper research in finding a reputable source as the quality of your product can determine the potency of the benefits you receive.
Lemon Balm Benefits
Supports Normal Blood Pressure
In a double-blind case study, systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the patients with essential hypertension had decreased with no significant side effects.
Alleviates Stress and Depression
Studies show that lemon balm may be helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms by elevating mood and reducing levels of stress hormones. Additionally, lemon balm has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce feelings of stress and tension.
Wound Treatment
Believed to be good for healing acne, burns, cuts, and insect bites when applied topically.
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Aids in Digestion
Taken by mouth, it relieves digestive problems, including upset stomach, bloating, intestinal gas (flatulence), vomiting, and colic.
Fever Reducer
Lemon balm used as a warm tea is known to induce perspiration which allows for the cooling of the body when sweating relieving fever symptoms.
Note: If you’re on thyroid medication, or are pregnant, nursing, or have any other questions or concerns, talk with a qualified health professional before using lemon balm medicinally.
Soothes PMS Symptoms
Various studies demonstrated that Melissa officinalis decreases the severity of the systemic signs associated with menstruation. It showed that the herb does not increase the severity of bleeding and the duration of menstruation. However, it reduces the mean total score of the severity of all the systemic symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea.
Detoxifies Liver, Spleen & Kidneys
Lemon balm effectively improves liver inflammation and injury. It also detoxifies the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Additionally, it helps to reduce bladder inflammation helping to alleviate interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Provides Antioxidants
According to a review of study, lemon balm acts as an antioxidant and effective in combating oxidative stress. However, the review indicates that factors, including how people manufacture it and dosage, directly impact lemon balm’s effectiveness.
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Reduces Blood Sugar
The results of a preclinical trial in type 2 diabetes using lemon balm essential oil showed a significant reduction in blood glucose. Also, an improved glucose tolerance and significantly higher serum insulin levels.
Improves Memory
Studies show that M. officinalis extract can improve memory in healthy rats and factors known to cause dementia and Alzheimer disease.
Note: Lemon Balm should not be taken by people on prescription medication for mental health disorders as it can affect the medication. As with all herbal remedies, please consult your healthcare professional. Lemon Balm can cause drowsiness and should therefore not be consumed prior to operating machinery or driving.
Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, April 26). Lamiaceae. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamiaceae
Shekarriz Z;Shorofi SA;Nabati M;Shabankhani B;Yousefi SS; (n.d.). Effect of Melissa officinalis on systolic and diastolic blood pressures in essential hypertension: A double-blind crossover clinical trial. Phytotherapy research : PTR. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34766389/
Scholey, A., Gibbs, A., Neale, C., Perry, N., Ossoukhova, A., Bilog, V., Kras, M., Scholz, C., Sass, M., & Buchwald-Werner, S. (2014, October 30). Anti-stress effects of lemon balm-containing foods. Nutrients. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4245564/
Herbal treatment for Dermatologic Disorders - NCBI Bookshelf. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92761/
Aubert, P., Guinobert, I., Blondeau, C., Bardot, V., Ripoche, I., Chalard, P., & Neunlist, M. (2019, July). Basal and spasmolytic effects of a hydroethanolic leaf extract of melissa officinalis l. on intestinal motility: An ex vivo study. Journal of medicinal food. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6653806/
LaVolpe, N., & LaVolpe#molongui-disabled-link, N. (2021, March 25). 10 natural ways to treat a fever. Farmers' Almanac. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://www.farmersalmanac.com/10-natural-ways-treat-fever-26657
Mirabi, P., Alamolhoda, S. H., Yazdkhasti, M., & Mojab, F. (2018). The effects of lemon balm on menstrual bleeding and the systemic manifestation of dysmenorrhea. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6447884/
Miraj, S., Rafieian-Kopaei, & Kiani, S. (2017, July). Melissa Officinalis L: A review study with an antioxidant prospective. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871149/
medicalmedium.com, M. M. at. (n.d.). Healing lemon balm. Medical Medium - Home. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/healing-lemon-balm
Chung MJ;Cho SY;Bhuiyan MJ;Kim KH;Lee SJ; (n.d.). Anti-diabetic effects of lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis) essential oil on glucose- and lipid-regulating enzymes in type 2 diabetic mice. The British journal of nutrition. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20487577/
Soodi, M., Naghdi, N., Hajimehdipoor, H., Choopani, S., & Sahraei, E. (2014). Memory-improving activity of Melissa officinalis extract in naïve and scopolamine-treated rats. Research in pharmaceutical sciences. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311288/
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