Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

  Therapeutics

Antiviral, antioxidant, stomachic (aids digestion), anti-anxiety, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), carminative (relieves flatulence), cardiotonic

Plant Anatomy & Harvest

This ground cover plant likes to spread out but can also get up to 1 meter (3 feet) in height. It has leaves reminiscent of others in the mint family with serrated edges and heart shape. When crushed the leaves have a lemony smell with a hint of mint.

Native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia, this perennial that grows in soil rich in organic matter with lots of moisture. It tends to spread like most in the mint family so plant in a pot if you don't want a huge lemon balm plant!

The leaves and stems contain most of the medicinal compounds and are great used fresh and dried. Simply pluck a couple leaves and add to your tea or tincture to reap the benefits!

Color

Green leaves and stem

Scent

Lemony, herbaceous, hint of mint

Taste

Similar to scent but more herbaceous, a bit bitter

Quality

Uplifting

Constituents

caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, succinic acid, ursolic acid and thymol

Uses

With its distinct lemony scent and potent essential oil, there are not many herbs that could pass for lemon balm. However, once the leaves are dried that look similar to mint leaves.

Take in the form of a tea, tincture or capsule. Safe for continuous use.

Some may be sensitive so consult a physician before using while pregnant or if you have hyperthyroidism. Typically regarded as safe.

 

References

  1. Joukar, S., & Asadipour, H. (2015). Evaluation of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) Effects on Heart Electrical System. Research in cardiovascular medicine, 4(2), e27013. https://doi.org/10.5812/cardiovascmed.4(2)2015.27013

  2. Weeks B. S. (2009). Formulations of dietary supplements and herbal extracts for relaxation and anxiolytic action: Relarian. Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 15(11), RA256–RA262.

  3. Kennedy, D. O., Little, W., & Scholey, A. B. (2004). Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm). Psychosomatic medicine, 66(4), 607–613. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.psy.0000132877.72833.71

  4. Stini, E., Tsimogiannis, D., & Oreopoulou, V. (2024). The Valorisation of Melissa officinalis Distillation By-Products for the Production of Polyphenol-Rich Formulations. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 29(2), 377. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020377

  5. Shahsavari, K., Shams Ardekani, M.R., Khanavi, M. et al. Effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) consumption on serum lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Complement Med Ther 24, 146 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04442-0