In the heart of ancient Greece, a plant flourished that would become revered for its remarkable properties. Named 'Melissa'—the same name given to the honeybee—it holds a magnetic attraction for bees. This plant, known to us as Lemon Balm, has been celebrated from the time of Paracelsus to Galen for its restorative powers. Lemon Balm operates where the nerves and the heart, or the nerves and blood, intersect, making it a unique and valuable herb.
Common Names and Botanical Information
Lemon Balm is known by various names, including Balm, Sweet Balm, Celine, Citronne, Melisse, and Herb au citron. Its botanical name is Melissa officinalis, and it belongs to the Lamiaceae or Mint Family.
Therapeutic Properties
Lemon Balm is recognized for its mild remedy with minimal chronic toxicity, making it safe for most users. Its energetics are diverse, offering bitter, sour, astringent, cool, dry, relaxing, stimulating, restoring, and calming effects. The plant emits a slightly lemon scent and taste, with a sweet, aromatic, and slightly warm profile.
Organs Affected: Heart, stomach, intestines, nerves, uterus, lung, liver, bladder, pericardium
Part Used: The leaf
Constituents: Essential oils (including citronellal, citral, linalool, geraniol, aldehydes, pinene, limonene), tannin, crystalline bitter compounds, glycosides, stachyose, minerals
Properties: Relaxant, antispasmodic, carminative, antiviral, nerve tonic, increases sweating, sedative, mild antidepressant, mild antispasmodic, vasodilating, diaphoretic, hypotensive, antioxidant
Astrological Significance
Lemon Balm is associated with Jupiter and is under the sign of Cancer.
Before Taking Lemon Balm
Before incorporating Lemon Balm into your routine, it is essential to assess your symptoms:
- Rate your symptom level from 1 to 10.
- Record your initial rating.
- Continue to rate all current symptoms.
- Revisit and record your ratings 15 minutes after taking a dose.
Caution:
- Use with caution during pregnancy due to its mild uterine stimulating effect.
- Contraindicated for those with hypothyroidism.
Melissa Essential Oil: This oil is scarce and expensive due to its low yield. Be wary of cheaper versions labeled as 'Melissa Oil,' which may contain lemongrass, lemon oils, and citronella.
Uses and Benefits
Relaxes Stuck Energy
- Calms the mind and relieves anxiety.
- Clears heat and reduces fever.
- Eases abdominal pain and swelling.
- Supports insomnia and anxiety states.
- Alleviates heat imbalance in the head, such as headaches, ringing in the ears, and irritability.
Regulates and Relieves Pain
- Effective for headaches.
- Soothes irritating dry coughs and chest pain.
- Aids in digestive difficulties.
- Helps with irregular menstruation and painful urination.
Restores the Nerves, Lifts the Mind
- Supports poor memory, depression, and stress-related fatigue.
Reduces Swelling
- Useful for injuries, inflammations, or infections.
Promotes Sweating and Reduces Fever
- Beneficial at the onset of infections like cold and flu.
Research Insights
Lemon Balm's volatile oils, including citronellal and citral, are useful in calming the central nervous system and have antispasmodic properties. It has shown potential in inhibiting thyroid function, making it useful for hyperthyroidism by interfering with the binding of TSH to thyroid cell membranes and preventing iodine incorporation into T4 synthesis. Additionally, its polyphenols have known antiviral properties.
Dosage Recommendations
- Tincture: 2-5 mL at 1:3 strength.
- Infusion (Leaf): 8-16 grams.
- Essential Oil: Dilute to 1% in carrier oil (e.g., olive oil) and use topically.
- Juiced Fresh Leaves: Apply topically as needed to cuts and insect bites.
- Ointment: Apply to insect stings.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Balm stands as a testament to nature's ability to heal and restore. From ancient Greece to modern times, its reputation as a versatile herb with myriad benefits remains unwavering. Whether you seek relief from anxiety or pain or simply wish to rejuvenate your mind and body, Lemon Balm offers a gentle yet potent solution. Embrace its soothing aroma, harness its calming properties, and let it guide you on a journey to holistic wellness. Incorporate Lemon Balm into your daily routine and experience firsthand the transformative power of this natural treasure.
Resources:
1) Culpepper’s Color Herbal. Sterling Publishing CO.1983. p21
2)Herbal Vade Mecum. By Skenderi, Gazmend.
3) Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Chevallier. p.112
4) The Energetics of Western Herbs. Peter Holmes Melissa Leaf p518
5) Herbal Medicine From the Earth. Dr. Sharol Tilgner. p111