Lemon Balm benefits

Fresh cut lemon balm for drying

Used since ancient times to calm the heart and the body. Sacred to the temple of Diana, lemon balm was called “heart’s delight” in southern Europe and the “elixir of life” by the Swiss physician Paracelsus. He believed the benefits of the herb could completely revive a man, and this view was endorsed by the London Dispensary in 1696, stating: “Balm, given every morning, will renew youth, strengthen the brain and relieve languishing nature.” Lemon balm was reputed to be among the regular morning teas imbibed in the 13th century by Llewelyn, Prince of Glamorgan, who lived to 108 years; while John Hussey, of Sydenham England, died at the age of 116 after 50 years of breakfasting on lemon balm tea with honey.

Dried Lemon Balm

ACTIONS/PROPERTIES: Antidepressant. Antioxidant. Antiseptic. Antispasmodic. Antiviral. Carminative. Emmenagogue. Diaphoretic. Stomachic. Nerve Tonic. Nerve Sedative. Nerve Stimulant.

BENEFITS: Relaxing yet gently stimulating to increase energy by releasing energy blocks and stress, depression, headaches, heartburn, improves the immune system, stomach distress, exhaustion, mild sedative for insomnia, herpes (externally), relaxing diaphoretic, fevers, digestion, gas, restlessness, palpitations, hypertension, cold sores. It can enhance cognitive function and improve mood (Kennedy, et al, 2014 and 2003), and can relieve some of the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, especially irritability and forgetfulness. It can also be taken for stress headaches (with Betony and Chamomile), to promote better sleep quality (use it with Chamomile and Passion Flower), for nervous stomach, ADD/ADHD, and most importantly for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). For SAD,

I use equal parts St. John’s wort and Lemon Balm as a tea or a tincture. This pairing of herbs is a simple but elegant example of the concept of “synergy” in herbal prescribing. Used as a facial steam for acne and used in ointments for topical applications such as for cold sores, and bee or wasp stings.

REFERENCES: The Science & Art of Herbalism

Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D.

Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth by Dr. Sharol Marie Tilgner

Guest Herbalist David Winston, RH (AHG) 2014, The Science & Art of Herbalism

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Note: This product has not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare professional before taking.