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 Melissa officinalis (Labiatae)
LEMON BALM, CURE ALL, SWEET BALM
Named for its reputation as a
soother, lemon balm is a favourite calming herb for anxiety and nervous
tension.
Seen in ancient times as the ultimate remedy for a troubled nervous system, balm
was, in one herbal, said to "renew youth, strengthen the brain, relieve languishing
nature and prevent baldness". A native of southern Europe but now a common garden
herb throughout the world, it is a perennial with oval yellowish-green leaves, which have
a strong lemon scent when crushed, and whitish flowers in late summer.
PARTS USED
Whole herb, fresh leaves.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Volatile oil containing citral, linalool, citronellal,
nerol, and geraniol; flavonoids; polyphenols, including caffeic and rosmarinic acids.
ACTIONS
Relieves wind and colic; sedative; induces sweating; antiviral.
MEDICINAL USE
Given for anxiety and to relieve nervous tension.
It is also useful as a carminative for flatulent digestion. Balm oil and hot water infusions are applied externally for shingles.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, essential oil, tincture.
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