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© Steven Foster
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Botanical name: Melissa officinalis
Parts of Lemon Balm used and where is Lemon Balm grown
The lemon balm plant originated in southern Europe and is now found throughout the world.
The lemony smell and pretty white flowers of the plant have led to its widespread cultivation
in gardens. The leaves, stems, and flowers of lemon balm are used medicinally.
Historical or traditional use of Lemon Balm (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Charlemagne once ordered lemon balm planted in every monastery garden because of its
beauty.1 It has been used traditionally by herbalists to treat gas, sleeping
difficulties, and heart problems. In addition, topical applications to the temples were
sometimes used by herbalists for insomnia or
nerve pain.
Active constituents of Lemon Balm
The terpenes, part of the pleasant smelling volatile oil from lemon balm, are thought to
produce this herb’s relaxing and gas-relieving (carminative) effects. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other compounds appear
to be responsible for lemon balm’s anti-herpes and thyroid-regulating actions. Test tube
studies have found that lemon balm blocks attachment of antibodies to the thyroid cells that
cause Grave’s disease (hyperthyroidism).2 The brain’s signal to the
thyroid (thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) is also blocked from further stimulating the
excessively active thyroid gland in this disease. However, clinical trials proving lemon
balm’s effectiveness in treating Grave’s disease are lacking.
One small preliminary trial studying sleep quality compared the effect of a combination
product containing an extract of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and an extract of
valerian root with that of the sleeping drug
triazolam (Halcion®). The effectiveness
of the herbal combination was similar to that of Halcion, as determined by the ability to fall
asleep and the quality of sleep.3 Another trial also found that the same
combination of valerian and lemon balm, taken over a two-week period, is effective in
improving quality of sleep.4
According to double-blind research, topical use of a concentrated lemon balm extract speeds
healing time of herpes simplex virus sores (cold
sores) on the mouth.5 6
How much Lemon Balm is usually taken?
The German Commission E monograph suggests 1.5–4.5 grams of lemon balm in a tea
several times daily.7 The herb can be steeped for ten to fifteen minutes in 150 ml
of boiling water to make the tea. Tincture can also be used at 2–3 ml three times per
day. Concentrated extracts, 160–200 mg 30 minutes to one hour before bed, are sometimes
recommended for insomnia. Highly concentrated
topical extract ointments for herpes can be applied three to four times per day to
lesions.
Lemon balm is frequently combined with other medicinal plants. For example, peppermint and lemon balm together are effective for
calming upset stomach. Valerian is often combined with lemon balm for
insomnia. Bugleweed(Lycopus
virginicus) and lemon balm have been used together for Graves’ disease.
Are there any side effects or interactions with Lemon Balm?
There is one published report of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurring in a
person who took a supplement that contained willow bark.8 The possibility of
allergy to willow bark should be considered by anyone who is allergic to aspirin or other
salicylates. As with aspirin, some people may experience stomach upset from taking willow.
Although such symptoms are less likely from willow than from aspirin, people with ulcers and gastritis should, nevertheless, avoid this
herb.9 Again, as with aspirin, willow should not be used to treat fevers in
children since it may cause Reye’s syndrome.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with lemon balm. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in
vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.
The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of
the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter
medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or
pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications.
References:
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