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Lemon Balm (Melissa officialis)
Family: Lamiaceae, Mint family
Parts used: leaves
Lemon Balm is one of my closest herbal allies. Gentle and calming, Lemon Balm can come in a time of need and help to ease you into transition.
Through my personal experience I have found Lemon Balm to calm nerves, reduce stress, and help with anxiety and depression through its ability to balance the mood. Lemon Balm can also be slightly cooling and calming on the stomach.
Quoted by Avicenna, a great Arabic physician “Lemon Balm causes the mind and the Heart to be Merry”.
Uses:
Lemon Balm is a great herb to help ease stress and calm those with anxiety and a nervous stomach. It helps to calm the digestive track and feeling of nausea for those experiencing those symptoms due to stress.
In essential oil form Lemon Balm can help to clear herpes simplex virus, type 1 and 2 outbreaks.
Applied topically as an infused oil or poultice, lemon balm can aid in the treatment of chicken pox and shingles. (3)
For children it can be a great nighttime herb to help ease tension, aid for good sleep and can help prevent nightmares. (1)
Magically Lemon Balm is used to protect and to attract love. (1)
Preparation and dosage:
Tea: 4-8 oz 2-3 times daily
Tincture: 20-40 drops 2-3 times daily
Essential oil: topically with a carrier oil as needed (3)
Cautions:
*Pregnant women and those with hyperthyroidism should avoid using Lemon Balm (2).
Sources:
- Mars, Brigitte. The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine: The Ultimate Multidisciplinary Reference to the Amazing Realm of Healing Plants, in a Quick-study, One-stop Guide. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub., 2007. Print.
- Fundukian, Laurie J. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Detroit: Gale, Cengage Learning, 2009. Print
- Kane, Charles W. Herbal Medicine Trends and Traditions: A Comprehensive Sourcebook on the Preparation and Use of Medicinal Plants. Oracle, AZ: Lincoln Town, 2009. Print.