Lemon Balm

Melissa Officinalis

Lemon balm or Melissa is a wide spread perennial herbaceous plant, from the mint family, that grows in the warm-temperate regions in Europe and North America. When squeezed it releases a beautiful fresh lemony fragrance, which where the name comes from. The plant is used for over 2000 years in folk medicine, for very various conditions, being named “the elixir of life” by Paracelsus in the 16th century.

It has one of the fastest evaporating fragrance, that’s why it potentiates the other herbs it comes in contact with, lifting them up and activating their properties. Due to its aromatic nature, it is sometimes used in flavoring foods, beverages, just like mint and basil. In herbal medicine it is best known as a mild and gentle calming of the nervous system, a good mood setter, a soother and regulator of the digestive system and a good antiviral and antiseptic.

Medicinal properties

Mild sedative, antispasmodic, psycho-emotional regulator, memory stimulant, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, cholagogue, mild laxative.

Calms the mind and promotes a good mood

The main quality of the lemon balm is the calming effect upon the nervous system. It is a mild but efficient nervine, it’s recommended for headaches caused by exhaustion, prolonged stress, emotional overload, anxiety, insomnia and stress based digestive dysfunctions. Lemon balm is a great mood setter, gives a calm, relaxed and joyful perspective on life, and offers the ability to see things more detached and optimistic. You can test that just by inhaling its great refreshing fragrance.

It also used to regulate the cardiovascular system, reduces arrhythmias, palpitations and tachycardia.

Offers mental clarity and concentration

Lemon balm is certainly not a sedative that dulls your mind. Studies show it has the ability to enhance memory, stimulate concentration, aid brain health and improve problem solving skills.

Improves the quality of sleep

For the ones who experience trouble falling asleep, might be an efficient relief. Studies show that people who were administered lemon balm had a more restful sleep, and menopausal women reported less sleep interruptions and better rest.

Regulates the digestive system

Especially for digestive disorders caused by the nervous system, like stomach aches, gastritis, gallbladder colics, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestions, flatulence, lemon balm shows its real value. The plant is a very good antispasmodic and muscle relaxant, stimulates the production of bile, improves digestion, helps evacuate blocked gas from the system, and balances the whole digestive process. Because of its antiseptic and antiviral properties, it’s very efficient to restore the intestinal flora and fight against evil bacteria and fungus in the intestines (especially Candida), decrease the inflammations and stop the fermentation processes.

Regulates the hormones and the hyperactive thyroid

Most hormone imbalances actually occur from stress and unmanaged emotions. That’s what traditional Eastern medicine says. Due to its stress releasing abilities, lemon balm has shown to relief discomfort and nervousness before menstruations, regulate the menses and diminish the menstrual pain. It also has an inhibitory action over the TSH thyroid hormone secretion, helping cases of hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer.

 

Cautions

People who suffer from underactive thyroid, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a specialist before taking supplements of lemon balm.

 

Because of Lemon Balm's calming and uplifting properties, we've included it in both our ZEN, and DREAM, supplements. Find out on our Supplements page!