Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Lamiaceae, or mint family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• M. officinalis is native to Europe, central Asia and Iran, but is now naturalized around the world. Lemon balm seeds require light and at least 70 °F to germinate. Lemon balm grows in clumps and spreads vegetatively, as well as by seed. In mild temperate zones, the stems of the plant die off at the start of the winter, but shoot up again in spring. Lemon balm grows vigorously; it should not be planted where it will spread into other plantings. Harvesting at florescence stage was found to be the best stage for obtaining the highest essential oil content and fresh herb yield. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Leaves, stems (aerial parts) ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Antioxidant
• Anxiolytic / Nervine
• Hypoglycemic 
• Hypolipidemic
• Antimicrobial
• Antidepressant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Spasmolytic ^[1]

4. Indications:
• HSV
• Neuralgia
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Migraine
• High blood pressure
• Depression and PPD
• Digestive spasms ^[1]
5. Plant Constituents:
• Citronellal, geraniol, citral, flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds (including rosmarinic acid), monoterpene glycosides and aldehydes ^[1]
6. System Affinities:
• Nervous system
• Digestive system
• Immune system ^[1]  
7. Energetics:
• Cold
• Dry
• Sour
• Slightly bitter ^[1]  
8. Safety:
• To avoid: Anyone on thyroid medication or with a thyroid disorder, as lemon balm may interfere with the action of thyroid hormones ^[1]
9. Interactions:
• None known ^[1]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The dried leaves and stems of lemon balm are greenish-brown, and yellow in color. The smell is sweet and maybe a little spicy.  
2. Preparation Method:
• Infusion: In a covered container, infuse 2-3 tsp dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Drink twice daily, once each in morning and evening
• Tincture: 2-6 mL 3 times per day, 1:5 in 40%
• Topical HSV therapy: topical cream containing 1% dried herb applied as early as possible in infection ^[1]
3. Usage Notes:
• I made a hot infusion and drank it all day today. The tea is a dark brown color and has a bright and pleasant taste. It has a tingling effect on my mouth and tongue, again slightly spicy or maybe metallic. It also feels drying on my tongue. I had coffee in the morning, which I don't do every day, so that made me feel jittery. I made this tea after several hours had passed so I could try to feel the effects as isolated from the coffee as possible. After the first cup, my internal jitters and feelings of clamminess on my skin had lessened. It had a calming effect, and lightened my mood. I really enjoyed it. After the third cup, later in the day, I found some relief in my hand tremors, which is something I struggle with and even take medication for. I could definitely feel the nervine effects of this herb!

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 4 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
2. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Nervines Powerpoint. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum