Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Native to: Mediterranean region, Southern Europe, & Western Asia.

Cultural & Historical Uses:

Greco-Romans utilized for a "tonic for the heart & spirit".
Medieval european herbalism utilized in "Carmeite water", given to reduce nervous tension & headaches.
Persian traditional medicine reccommended to strengthen memory & relieve melancholia.
May calm the nervous system, ease stress, irritability & nervousness, as well as sharpen focus.

Scientific Properties

Rosmarinic acid: antioxidant & anti-inflammatory, as well as GABA-enhancing.
Caffeic & ferulic acids aid in neuroprotection & stress reduction.

Contraindications!!!

Oils such a citral, citronellal, & linalool found in lemon balm can be irritating to the lungs; use with caution & moderation.
May cause drowsiness, impaired alertness.
When combines with alcohol, sedatives, or other medications that depress the nervous system, use with caution or consult your physician.
Caution is advised for any individuals with hypothyroidism or on thyroid medication, due to lemon balm's efffect on TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).
Due to sedative properties, it is reccommended to abstain from use at least 2 weeks before anesthesia.
Considered unsafe during pregnancy or lactation due to potential uterine stimulation & hormonal effects.

Resources & Citations

Kennedy, D. O. et al. (2003).

Effects of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on Mood and Cognitive Performance.
Nutritional Neuroscience, 5(3), 103–112.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10284150290028961

Awad, R. et al. (2009).

Phytochemical and Biological Analysis of Melissa officinalis L.
Phytotherapy Research, 23(6), 754–760.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2623

Hoffmann, D. (2003).

Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine.

Healing Arts Press.

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