Description

Common name: Lemon Balm, Honey plant, Bee balm

Family: Lamiaceae

Habitat/Cultivation: Native to southern, eastern and central Europe and from the Caucasus on to Iran. Is now grown throughout the world. Easily grown from seed or root cuttings. It quickly establishes itself and spreads. The flowering time is June to October when the aerial parts are picked just before the flowers are opening.

Parts used: The aerial parts

Traditional use: Lemon balm can be very helpful for those times when nerves, headaches and/or mild depression are preventing you from relaxing and getting a good nights sleep.

Constituents: antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative, and tonic

Actions: Lemon balm has antibacterial and antiviral properties

Medicinal use: Lemon balm extracts are also effective against herpes, cold sores and mumps viruses.  A concentrated extract of Melissa is sold in Europe for the treatment of core sores, herpes HSV-1 and HSV-2, genital herpes. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is ‘Female aspects’. It is used to relax and rejuvenate, especially in cases of depression and nervous tension

Cautions: Can cause irritation in high concentrates. Avoid during pregnancy. Care if sensitive skin

Dosage & forms: Lemon balm Leaf tea, extracts and the essential oil Melissa are all commonly used. Dosage instructions as per product.

Folk-lore: Melissa was known as Melisphyllon, honey leaf, to the ancient Arab physicians who prescribed it for melancholy. Melissa was an ingredient in the famous Carmelite water of medieval Paris