KNOWN BY SOME AS A “CURE-ALL,” LEMON BALM IS COMMONLY USED FOR ITS SEDATIVE PROPERTIES, ANTIBACTERIAL, AND THYROID-RELATED EFFECTS, ABILITY TO ENHANCE MEMORY, LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE, PROMOTE MENSTRUATION, AND PREVENT MUSCLE SPASMS, AS WELL AS GAS.

Lemon Balm is a lemon scented herb native to Southern Europe. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family that includes other common herbs such as mint, which means that it is very easy to grow; in fact it should be grown in a container or pot unless you want your entire garden to be taken over by this happy-to-spread-its-love plant.

Similar to other plants with a lemony scent, lemon balm has anti-viral properties, which makes it especially helpful for issues such as colds and flus, herpes, hepatitis, HPV, and any other viral infections. It’s immune enhancing qualities help the body to fight off these infections.

Because it is so mild, lemon balm is perfect for children with colds and flus as well, helping to break a fever if needed, calm their systems so they may sleep better, as well as boost them up so they get better faster.

Lemon balm is also being studied for its ability to treat anxiety and stomach problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is known to be mood ehancing and calming to the entire system.

Topically, lemon balm is great for cold sores and other viral outbreaks. The best application for this is to use a diluted lemon balm essential oil.

So whether you are looking to boost your immune ysstem or your mood, give lemon balm a try, becasue this happy little plant won’t let you down.

Latin Name: Melissa officinalis

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Parts Used: Aboveground plant

Energetics: sour, cool, dry

Actions: antibacterial, antidepressant, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiviral, aromatic, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypotensive (mild), nervine, parturient, rejuvenative, sedative, stomachic, tonic, vasodilator

• Memory Enhancer
• Calming
• Blood Pressure
• Antibacterial
• Antiviral
• Thyroid Support
• Muscle Spasms
• Gas
• Anxiety
• Herpes
• High in Antioxidants

• Tea: 1-2 teaspoons in 10oz hot water, steep for 15-25 minutes. Drink hot to help with colds, flus, and fevers. Can be drunk throughout the day as desired
• Tincture: 60-90 drops 3-4 times per day for immune boosting and mood enhancing qualities
• Essential Oil: add 5-6 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil, apply topically to cold sores or other vial outbreaks to help speed healing. Oil can also be added to bath water.

• Generally considered very safe, even for children.
• Those with hypothyroid conditions should avoid lemon balm as it can lower thyroid function.