Lemon Balm

     Also known as: Melissa Officinalis, Cure-All, Mélisse Citronnelle, Honey Plant, Sweet Mary

     Perennial herb, part of the Lamiaceae mint family, Lemon Balm is native to Southern Europe and Mediterranean region and has a pleasant lemon aroma. The leaves used as tea, calms stomach and intestinal spasms, attenuate nausea in pregnant women and increase bile secretion. Soothing effects recommend Lemon Balm for various mental disorders, from melancholia, restlessness and anxiety to anguish, hysteria and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). 4 teaspoons of Lemon Balm powder or 6 teaspoons of Lemon Balm tincture per day has antidepressant effects, favoring optimistic thinking and amplifying mental wellbeing. Positive results were obtained in a small clinical trial conducted on Alzheimer patients, concluding that: “Melissa officinalis extract is of value in the management of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and has a positive effect on agitation in such patients” (study)

     Research conducted have shown that Lemon Balm inhibits the effect of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thus proving effective in hyperthyroid disorder, Graves’ disease and a possible remedy in thyroid cancer due to its antitumor properties.

     With articular anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, Melissa can be used successfully for the treatment of rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, slowing and even stopping degenerative processes.

     The chemicals contained in Lemon Balm eliminate herpetic virus type I and II whether if you choose an external application (ex. applying a compress with Melissa infusion for two hours a day on the affected area) or an internal administration (ex. 6 teaspoons of Melissa tincture or 1 litter of infusion per day).

     Lemon Balm is also used for pain, including migraine and toothache, for hypertension or for insect bites and can be found in foods and beverages as flavor. 

     Available in organic markets, health food stores and in some pharmacies, Lemon Balm can be found as a tea, powder, concentrated extract, tincture, essential oil, capsules or cream. The usual term for safely using Melissa Officinalis is up to 4 months because studies on long-term use are not available.