Lemon Balm (Melissa)
All About Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, of the mint family has been traditionally used to help calm the mind and reduce insomnia. Multiple human studies have shown it has potential in reducing anxiety and depression and in improving memory and cognition. Lemon balm is also known to help with an upset stomach, and this could be attributable to its actions against the Helicobacter pylori bacteria often found in the digestive tract. Scientific studies have shown it to be antimicrobial against a variety of pathogens, and possibly effective in treating the herpes virus based on a few human studies. It may also be an herb extract to use in reducing food spoilage.
Fun Fact
Lemon Balm combines well with peppermint, and as a result, it is an ingredient found in many toothpastes!
Lemon Balm Research
A few dozen research articles were found on Melissa. Multiple human studies were conducted related to anxiety and depression. It may also help to improve cognitive performance and reduce insomnia. Melissa has shown anti-viral potential against the herpes virus and the virus that causes AIDS; it has also shown antibacterial actions against food spoilage pathogens and digestive bacteria that can cause gastric and peptic ulcer diseases. In one human study, this herb along with spearmint and coriander helped reduced irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. The herb additional has shown antioxidant activities in vitro. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Lemon Balm Blog Articles
Lemon Balm Herb and Essential Oil
Latin Name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae
Other Common Names
- Balm mint, honey plant, sweet balm, heart's delight, cure all, dropsy plant
- The word Melissa comes from the Greek word for honey bee.
Plant Description
This perennial herb plant grows to five foot tall, with leaves and flowers that look similar to mint. It attracts bees and has a lemony scent.
Herb Description
Leaves are prepared fresh or dried. For making a tea, steep 1 Tbsp of dried herb, or 2 Tbsp of fresh herb in 2 cups of boiled water for five minutes. Strain and drink.
Essential Oil Description
Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and tops. The aroma is sweet, floral, and herbaceous.
Key Constituents
- Geranial / Citral A
- Neral
- Citronellal / Rhodinal
- Caryophyllene / Beta-Caryophyllene / Alpha-Caryophyllene / Humulene
- Germacrene D
- Caryophyllene oxide
- Geraniol
