Lemon balm is also called Melissa and is a sweet smelling oil, derived from a bee plant. At the end of the summer, little white flowers full of nectar appear. These attracts bees; hence the name. Lemon balm is grown not only in herb gardens, but also in large crops utilized for medicine, cosmetics, and furniture polish manufacturing.

Lemon balm is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and thyroid-regulating herb. It is used to treat colds, headaches, cramps, insomnia, and nervous stomachs in adults. It’s also used to treat fevers, flu and colds in children. Also recognized as a sedative, this herb relieves tension and mild depression. Used topically, lemon balm can heal lip sores.
It has also been effective in the treatment of Grave’s Disease, which causes the thyroid gland to produce excess thyroid hormones.

To make lemon balm tea, pour a cup of hot water over one tablespoon of crushed lemon balm leaves, steep for five to ten minutes, and strain. Drinking this in tea form several times daily will enable you to relax and produce a calm and sedated sleep. It is also effective in reducing bloating. For cold sores steep two to four tablespoons of crushed leaf in one cup of boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes. Apply tea with cotton balls to the sores throughout the day. Lemon balm may be combined with peppermint or other herbal teas to alleviate gastrointestinal problems as well.

Side effects and/or symptoms of toxicity have been rarely reported with lemon balm use. However, this herb should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Lemon balm should not be taken by individuals with thyroid conditions or glaucoma, as lemon balm may interfere with drugs that treat thyroid conditions. Oral lemon balm may cause dizziness or nausea. Topically, it may produce irritation when applied.

As with any and all herbs you want to speak with your doctor, and/or professional herbalist before starting use, and always use quality herbs that were ethically harvested. We’ll be talking in more detail about Lemon Balm in the future as well. If you’ve got a good use or a favorite tip that relates to using Lemon Balm let us know in the comments!

technorati tags: herbs, herbal remedies, herbalism, Melissa, sweet oil, bee plant, lemon balm, Grave’s Disease