Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm)
It is commonly used as an anxiolytic, mild sedative or calming agent. It has also been found to be effective in reducing stress and to reduce stomach problems.
As a member of the mint family, it is considered a “calming” herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating as well as colic). Even before the Middle Ages, lemon balm was steeped in wine to lift the spirits, help heal wounds, 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 help promote relaxation. It is also used in creams to treat cold sores (oral herpes).
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Insomnia and anxiety
Several studies have found that lemon balm combined with other calming herbs (such as valerian, hops, and chamomile) helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Few studies have examined lemon balm by itself, except for topical use. For example, in one study of people with minor sleep problems, those who took an herbal combination of valerian and lemon balm reported sleeping much better than those who took placebo. But it’s not clear from this and other studies whether it is lemon balm or valerian (or the combination) that were responsible for the result.
The same is true of several studies for anxiety, which used a combination of herbs to reduce symptoms.
In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 18 healthy volunteers received two separate single doses of a standardized lemon balm extract (300 mg and 600 mg) or placebo for 7 days. The 600 mg dose of lemon balm increased mood and significantly increased calmness and alertness.
Herpes
Some studies suggest that topical ointments containing lemon balm may help heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). In one study of 116 people with HSV, those who applied lemon balm cream to their lip sores experienced significant improvement in redness and swelling after only 2 days. Other symptoms, such as pain and scabbing, did not improve. Both the patients and their doctors reported that the lemon balm ointment was highly effective. Several animal studies also support the value of topical lemon balm for herpes lesions.
Other uses
Some evidence suggests that lemon balm, in combination with other herbs, may help treat indigestion. And a few studies have found that lemon balm may help improve cognitive function and decrease agitation in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
What’s It Made Of?:
Lemon balm supplements are made from the leaves of the plant. Essential oils made from lemon balm leaves contain plant chemicals called terpenes, which play at least some role in the herb’s relaxing and antiviral effects. Lemon balm also contains substances called tannins, which are thought to cause many of the herb’s antiviral effects. Lemon balm also contains eugenol, which calms muscle spasms, numbs tissues, and kills bacteria.
parts used: leaves, whole plant
uses: herpes, anxiolytic, insomnia, migraines, high blood pressure, bronchial desorders
Alternative Names: Balm mint; Blue balm; Garden balm; Honey plant; Sweet balm
In each capsule : 100mg