What is lemon balm herb?

Generic name: Lemon balm herb

Other names: Balm mint, Blue balm, Garden balm, Honey plant; Melissa officinalis, Sweet balm, Sweet Mary.

Lemon balm is one of the simplest herbs to grow and is perfect for beginning gardeners. Some gardeners view this perennial herb as a weed because of how quickly it multiplies and spreads. The plant is native to Europe, Central Asia and Iran, but is currently found worldwide, especially in sandy and scrubby areas or damp wasteland, from sea level to mountains. Lemon balm herb belongs to the species Melissa officinalis L. which is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae).¹

Their leaves mostly contain flavonoids, terpenes, tannins, polyphenolic compounds and essential oils traditionally used to treat various illnesses. The plant can grow as high as 2 feet. Tiny, light-yellow flower clusters appear where the leaves meet the stem, in spring and summer. Depending on the soil and temperature, the leaves can be either dark green or yellowish green in colour and have very deep wrinkles. Your fingers will have a sweet and sour scent like lemons if you rub the leaves. The leaves have a similar shape as mint leaves since they are from the same plant family.

Historically, it has been considered a calming herb to lessen pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas, bloating, as well as colic), lower stress, and anxiety, promote sleep, and increase appetite. Lemon balm was steeped in wine even before the Middle Ages to cheer people up, aid in the healing of wounds, and treat dangerous insect bites and stings.¹ Lemon balm is commonly used with other calming, and soothing herbs, such as valerian, chamomile, and hops, to help with relaxation. It is additionally utilised in cold sore (oral herpes) creams.

In modern clinical research, lemon balm herb extracts are standardised to a compound known as rosmarinic acid which scientists say is responsible for its antimicrobial activity (antiparasitic, antiviral and antibacterial) as well as antioxidant properties. Aside from its medicinal use, lemon balm herb is also used as an ingredient in beauty and food products.

What are the medicinal compounds in lemon balm herb?

The leaves of the lemon balm herb contain most of the potent chemical compounds which account for its activity. The compounds are citral (neral, geranial), total polyphenol compounds, total flavonoids, hesperidin, and monoterpenes.

A double-blind study showed that the compounds in the leaf extract can scavenge both synthetic and natural free radicals. It suggested that the extract may be able to prevent oxidative damage in vivo by reducing free radical-mediated oxidative stress. During the study, rosmarinic acid present in the oil extracts showed antiviral properties towards herpes virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Their oily nature made it suitable as a topical medication for herpes virus.³

The benefits of lemon balm herb

As earlier mentioned, there are numerous benefits of the wonder plant lemon balm herb which are:

Helps in reducing stress, and anxiety, improves sleep and concentration

Lemon balm herbal remedies have traditionally been used to reduce anxiety and insomnia. It is well-known for its moderate sedative effect. There is some evidence that this herb can reduce hyperactivity, focus issues, and impulsiveness in young children. When taken internally, it appeared to improve mood and/or cognitive function, according to clinical research that included young people.

According to published studies, it has the potential to increase problem-solving, arithmetic abilities, focus, and alertness. It also appears to help lessen insomnia symptoms and sleep disruption when taken as a natural sleep aid.¹

Aids in indigestion

There is evidence that lemon balm products may be effective in the development of herbal therapies for constipation. Lemon balm provides relief from gastrointestinal pain and discomfort after eating, constipation, and bloating. This might be attributed in part to the tea's relaxing effects on the neurological system. It has been proven in rats that it can assist in relieving digestive troubles by preventing stomach ulcers, albeit this requires additional research.⁸

Natural pain relief

According to research, lemon balm (given in pill form) successfully decreased PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms in high school-aged female students.²

Helps protect the heart and liver against disease

Animal studies indicate that lemon balm essential oil can protect the heart and liver by decreasing triglycerides and improving cholesterol production in the liver. The study also demonstrated that lemon balm extract had a protective effect on liver cells.⁵

Another potential advantage of lemon balm for the heart is its capacity to protect the cardiac muscles from injury. In a 2016 study, researchers administered an oral extract of the plant to rats and discovered that it reduced heart rate and blood pressure, as well as indicated resistance to cardiac damage at lower dosages.⁴

For many years, Iranian medicine has used it as a medication to cure heart palpitations, and science appears to support this use. It may affect the mechanics and electrical impulses of the heart, providing it the ability to assist and manage cardiac arrhythmias, often known as irregular heartbeats. Lemon balm herb has been demonstrated in rat experiments to minimise the incidence of premature beats, and tachycardia without any dangerous side effects.

Treats herpes

Lemon balm applications may include topical use, owing to the herb's antiviral properties. It is an effective herbal medicine for treating the herpes virus when administered directly to the skin.

While there is no permanent cure for herpes, treatment options often focus on reducing the frequency and length of outbreaks. Many studies on the effectiveness of lemon balm on herpes labialis, or cold sores, have been conducted to date.³

The use of lemon balm extract in cream form appears to lengthen the intervals between herpes outbreaks, shorten the healing time, and reduce symptoms such as itching and burning. 

Powerful antioxidant and antibacterial agent

It has antibacterial properties that may aid in the fight against pathogenic germs.⁶

Lemon balm oil, in particular, has antibacterial and antifungal effects against Candida albicans. This is a common yeast infection that produces a variety of candida symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive fog, digestive issues, and a compromised immune system.^9,10

Regulate hyperactive thyroid

Lemon balm herb helps in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

When seeking to manage an overactive thyroid, natural health practitioners frequently use lemon balm extract as a therapy approach. According to research, these extracts prevent the components that over-activate the thyroid from attaching to the thyroid receptor, particularly in people with Grave's disease.⁷

Precautions, side-effects and interactions

Side effects of lemon balm herb could be mild or severe depending on the dosage. The most common side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness and allergic reactions.

Long-term use of the herb is not recommended especially in people with thyroid problems. People with thyroid issues, such as Grave's disease, should not use lemon balm without consulting a doctor. Stopping medication abruptly after a lengthy period of usage might potentially result in worsening or recurrence of symptoms.

When applying lemon balm preparation on the skin, some individuals may develop a kind of allergy called contact dermatitis. To be on the safe side, apply a little amount on the skin and wait for a day to observe for redness, rash, or itch.¹¹

Serious adverse responses to lemon balm are possible but very rare. Children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should avoid using lemon balm extracts and supplements until additional safety studies are done. Combining lemon balm with other herbal supplements that have a relaxing or drowsy effect (sedative) may intensify it and be harmful. It is advised not to use lemon balm if you consume alcoholic beverages, sedatives, glaucoma medicine and/or thyroid medication (e.g., levothyroxine), or antiretroviral drugs.

How to use lemon balm herb?

The leaves are the most valuable part of this plant. Lemon balm oil, tincture, extracts, and capsules are made from the extracts collected from the leaves. Lemon balm leaves are commonly used in the kitchen to prepare tea and flavour foods, as well as to manufacture perfume oils and insect repellents. Some even use it to make toothpaste.

Lemon balm can be taken as a tea by steeping the fresh leaves in boiling water for about 15 minutes, then removing the leaves and (optionally) adding raw honey as a natural sweetener. Another method is to make a "cold infusion" by putting the leaves in a glass jar with cold water (one tablespoon per cup of water) and leaving it overnight before drinking it in the morning.

Lemon balm supplements are also available and can be purchased online. As with any herbal product, it is recommended to always proceed with caution and to be extremely picky about where you buy lemon balm from, seeking reliable providers.

Dosage recommendations vary based on the application. A common guideline for use to relieve conditions such as anxiety and stress is to take 300 mg of lemon balm twice daily in capsule form. Some people take 600 mg twice daily, although beginning low and dividing your dose may be more tolerable. If you discover that a low dose is insufficient, gradually increase to 300 to 600 mg three times a day. For cold sores or herpes, use two to four teaspoons of crushed leaf boiled in one cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply tea with cotton balls to the sores throughout the day or apply topical cream or oil to the affected areas, three times daily or as directed.

Can you overdose on lemon balm herb?

A case study found that long-term usage of high doses of lemon balm might lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when treatment is stopped. However, overdosing on lemon balm tea and supplements is unlikely to result in serious side effects. In the event of any overdose, it can be managed supportively, and the patient can easily recover. It is important to seek help and contact emergency services when needed.

Summary

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. For generations, people have utilised this plant as a herbal remedy and natural medicine to cure a variety of diseases. Lemon balm can be used topically to treat herpes outbreaks and to lengthen the period between outbreaks. Lemon balm oil, extract, tea, and other items can boost mood, focus, and sleep quality while decreasing anxiety. This herb may also aid in the regulation of an overactive thyroid, treatment of PMS as well as aids indigestion.

Scientific studies have revealed that lemon balm can protect the heart and liver from common ailments. Lemon balm also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. These qualities frequently function in ways that avoid the regular resistance that diseases develop to many drugs and treatments, thus making it a valuable healing herb.