The Medicinal Uses of Lemon Balm

Disclaimer.  I am not a licensed health practitioner.  This is just another post on an item you might wish to have available if needed so that a physician can treat you and your family as best as possible.  No medication, including those available over the counter, should be taken without consulting a physician.  Information shared here is for educational and entertainment purposes only.  It is not medical advice nor a substitute for licensed medical care.  A qualified, licensed physician or other medical provider should be consulted before beginning any herbal or conventional treatment.

As another member of the mint family, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is not quite so well-known as its relatives. Essential oil users might more readily recognize the other name it goes by--Melissa. And if you recognize the name, you might also remember that it is pretty expensive stuff. Fortunately, most of the therapeutic effects that one can derive from Melissa essential oil can also be obtained by using lemon balm tea or tincture.

As a member of the mint family, lemon balm grows and spreads very easily. Its leaves can be harvested two or three times each summer without adversely affecting the plant at all. In terms of the most potent medicinal benefit, the leaves should be picked and dried just before the plant starts to flower, usually in August or September.

Historically, lemon balm has been used to treat a myriad of conditions:

• anxiety and insomnia
• gastric ulcers, intestinal cramps, and irritable bowel syndrome
• neuropathy
• hypertension, heart palpitations, and arrhythmias
• type-2 diabetes
• heal wounds and cold sores
• influenza
• hyperthyroidism and Grave's disease
• tension headaches
• vertigo
• chickenpox, shingles, and herpes, especially the rashes associated with these illnessesf
• enterovirus-71

INFUSIONS: For all the above conditions, an infusion may be prepared using two teaspoons of fresh leaves or one teaspoon dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Let steep for five minutes, remove the leaves, and sweeten with honey, if desired.

TINCTURES: The above conditions may also be treated with a tincture. Prepare your tincture in one of the following ways:

• Fresh herb. 1:2 ratio of fresh herb to 50% alcohol. Let macerate four weeks.  
• Dried herb. 1:5 ratio of dried herb to 50% alcohol. Let macerate four weeks.  
• Take 1/2-1 teaspoon tincture in one cup of warm water up to four times per day.  

A tincture for topical use that is especially effective against skin blisters, including those due to herpes simplex 1 and 2, shingles, chickenpox, and enterovirus-71, is prepared a little differently. The ratios are the same as far as the amount of herb to use, i.e., 1:2 for fresh and 1:5 for dried. However, the liquid should be 25% alcohol, 30% glycerin, and 45% water. The tincture may be applied as often as desired. 

SYRUP: Lemon balm is an excellent herb for children, especially when they have upset stomachs or insomnia. And it tastes good, too! It doesn't take long to prepare and will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.

• 1 cup freshly picked lemon balm
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups honey
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract, optional

Put lemon zest and water in saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Add lemon balm leaves and cover pot. Let steep 30 minutes, or until water darkens in color. Strain herbs and discard. Heat lemon balm-infused water and honey and stir to combine. Add lemon extract, if desired. Pour into a canning jar, label, and store in the refrigerator for up to three months. 

For insomnia and upset stomachs, children may have one teaspoon up to four times per day. Adults may take one tablespoon, up to four times per day. Never administer to children under the age of twelve months.

Contraindications: Do not use in people with hypothyroidism. Consult physician if nursing or pregnant.

 

Links to related posts:
DIY Lemon Extract 

For further reading:
Dr. Joseph Alton, The Survival Medicine Handbook.
Stephen Harrod Buhner, Herbal Antibiotics, p 373.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26052407
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20201279
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24272914 (type-2 diabetes)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24199972
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24817544
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18693101
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19023806
https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/jnnp/74/7/863.full.pdf (Alzheimer's)
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-health-benefits-of-lemon-balm-89388
https://naturalsociety.com/medicinal-uses-of-lemon-balm-grow-own-medicine/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2985357 (hyperthyroidism and Grave's disease)
https://draxe.com/nutrition/herbs/lemon-balm/

 11.11.19