Lemon Balm

Sweet Melissa, the Bee’s Delight

“Just as the bees work the Lemon Balm, it never stops working the person wielding it”

Lemon Balm is one of those herbs that feels like sunlight passing through the nervous system. Soft, fragrant and uplifting, it carries a gentle sweetness that calms the heart, settles the stomach and brightens the spirit. Historically known as “Melissa” meaning honey bee, this plant has long been associated with joy, emotional restoration and longevity.

Though gentle, Lemon Balm has a remarkable ability to move stagnant emotional states while simultaneously relaxing tension in the body. It is both calming and enlivening; cooling excess heat without extinguishing vitality.

Specifics:

Botanical name: Melissa officinalis

Common Name: Lemon Balm, Melissa

Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)

Parts used: Leaves & flowering tops

Thrives in rich moist soil with partial to full sun. A hardy perennial with bright green softly serrated leaves carrying a distinct lemon aroma when crushed. Bees absolutely adore this plant.  Keep in mind when planting this plant can spread far and wide quickly.

Zones 4-9

Planet: Lemon Balm is often associated with Jupiter because of its uplifting expansive qualities and its ability to bring cheer, optimism and vitality to the spirit. 

Taste & Energetics

Lemon Balm is aromatic, slightly sour, mildly bitter and sweet. The strong volatile oils give it an immediate uplifting fragrance that moves through the senses quickly. It should be noted that the tastes change when fresh vs when dried.

Its aromatic nature indicates movement and dispersion, especially of nervous tension, digestive stagnation and emotional heaviness.

The slight bitterness gives it cooling properties which helps clear heat from the heart and nervous system.

Though calming, Lemon Balm does not feel sedating in the same way heavier nervines can. Instead it gently lifts melancholy while relaxing tension at the same time.

Energetically it feels ,cooling, diffusive and mildly drying

Actions & Affinities

Nervine
Relaxant
Mild Sedative
Antispasmodic
Carminative
Diaphoretic
Digestive Tonic
Mood Elevating

Affinities:

Nervous System
Digestive System
Heart
Liver
Thyroid
Female Reproductive System

Lemon Balm & the Nervous System

Lemon Balm has long been considered one of the top herbs for nervous exhaustion, anxiety and emotional overwhelm.

It is especially indicated when a person feels mentally “hot”, overstimulated, restless, irritable, anxious or unable to settle. There can be racing thoughts, emotional sensitivity, insomnia or digestive upset connected to stress.

This herb reminds the body how to exhale.

Lemon Balm tends to calm while simultaneously restoring clarity. Many people notice that their thoughts feel quieter and more organized after taking it.

It is particularly helpful for:

Nervous tension
Stress induced digestive upset
Insomnia
Burnout
Melancholy
Heart palpitations associated with anxiety
Emotional hypersensitivity
Brain fog from overwhelm

Emotionally Lemon Balm feels protective and brightening. It has historically been used for grief, sadness and what older herbal texts called “melancholia.”

In many ways Lemon Balm restores joy.

Lemon Balm & the Digestive System

Because Lemon Balm is aromatic and gently bitter it has a strong affinity for the digestive tract, particularly digestion affected by tension or stagnation.

The gut and nervous system are deeply connected and Lemon Balm beautifully bridges the two.

It can help relax spasms, cramping, bloating and tension held within the abdomen. Often people who hold stress in their stomach will benefit greatly.

It is particularly helpful when digestion feels:

Tight
Spasmodic
Nauseous
Gassy
Slow from stress or sadness

Its volatile oils stimulate digestive secretions while its relaxing properties reduce tension and constriction.

For children it has historically been used in mild digestive upset, colic and restlessness because of its gentle nature.

Lemon Balm & Viral Heat

Lemon Balm is widely known for its antiviral properties, Topically this seems to hold true especially in relation to herpes simplex outbreaks such as cold sores. However, in my opinion herbs are not anti anything, it does however help calm a sick person soothe the stomach and help them sleep  all important when we are trying to feel better. 

It is often used both internally and externally for, Cold sores,Lingering heat and inflammation
Low grade fevers, herpes.

As a gentle diaphoretic it can help open the pores and release heat during the early stages of colds and flus.

Lemon Balm & the Heart

Though softer in action than Motherwort or Hawthorn, Lemon Balm still carries a noticeable affinity for the emotional heart. It carries a unique influence on the Heart and the Blood 

When stress, anxiety and emotional tension begin affecting circulation, sleep or digestion, Lemon Balm can soften that constriction. 

It helps calm:

Stress induced palpitations
Emotional agitation
Restlessness
Tension held in the chest, Grief and sadness aka broken heart 

Its uplifting nature also makes it useful when the heart feels emotionally “closed off” from prolonged stress, grief or exhaustion.

Lemon Balm & the Thyroid

Lemon Balm is unique among many nervines because of its relationship to hyperthyroid states.

Its cooling calming properties may help reduce excess stimulation associated with hyperthyroidism such as:

Rapid heartbeat
Heat intolerance
Anxiety
Restlessness
Insomnia
Excess nervous energy

Traditionally it has been used to help slow excessive thyroid activity, making it more appropriate for hyperthyroid patterns rather than hypothyroid conditions. It isn’t a cure but can offer symptomatic relief. 

Lemon Balm & the Woman

Lemon Balm has a gentle affinity for the female reproductive system, particularly when emotional stress is influencing hormonal balance.

It can be supportive during:

PMS with irritability or anxiety
Stress related cycle irregularity
Menopausal tension and insomnia
Emotional exhaustion from over caregiving

Its cooling relaxing nature can help soften tension while its uplifting quality helps restore emotional resilience.

Spiritual & Emotional Indications

Lemon Balm has long been associated with joy, lightness and emotional renewal.

It is a wonderful herb for people who have become emotionally contracted from stress, grief, pressure or overstimulation, it instills innocent perception bringing a childlike playfulness to adults who lost their sense of wonder.

Being ruled by Jupiter it acts as a soft magnetic force that draws wealth and creates abundance when used on altars, baths or sachets.

Contraindications

Use cautiously in hypothyroidism due to its potential thyroid suppressing effects.** (talked about but not something I have ever witnessed)

Large amounts may be overly sedating for some individuals.

Because the volatile oils are delicate, excessive heat during preparation can diminish some medicinal properties.

Dosages

Tea:
One of the best ways to enjoy Lemon Balm. Fresh plant tea is especially effective. Steep covered for 10-15 minutes.

Tincture:
20-60 drops up to several times daily depending on the situation. Fresh plant tincture is preferred ( I like a Glycerine extract)

Topical:
Strong infusions or infused oils can be applied to viral sores or irritated skin.

Pharmacological

According to the James Duke Database Lemon Balm contains but is not limited to; volatile oils including citral, citronellal and geraniol (aromatic calming effects), rosmarinic acid (anti-inflammatory and antiviral), flavonoids (cooling antioxidant effects), tannins (astringent properties) and triterpenes, Phenolic Acid.

Nervous System Tonic

Equal Parts:

Lemon Balm

Skullcap

 Fresh Milky Oats

Stress Digestion Formula

2 Parts Lemon Balm

2 Parts Peppermint

1 Part Fennel

1 Part Chamomile

Heart Ease Formula

2 Parts Lemon Balm

2 Parts Hawthorn Leaf & Flower

1 Part Linden

1 Part Rose

Sleep & Emotional Restoration

Equal Parts:

Lemon Balm

Passion Flower

Milky Oats

Lavender

Hops