Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis

Detailed Description

A calming and soothing herb with an ancient legacy.

Botanical Information

Lemon balm is an upright, branching perennial herb that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its stems emerge from a scaly rhizome. The thin leaves are opposite, long-stalked, ovate to lanceolate, and feature coarsely serrated edges. The flowers have pale pinkish-blue or yellowish-white corollas arranged in whorls. The fruit is a nutlet. All parts of the plant exude a distinctive lemon scent, due to its essential oils.

Origin and Distribution

Lemon balm originates from the Mediterranean, Iran, and Central Asia, but today it is cultivated nearly worldwide, from North America to Australia. The leading producers are Hungary and countries in Eastern Europe.

Usage / Dosage

The plant is prized for attracting bees to produce honey. In some cultures, lemon balm is used as an ornamental herb and is a fragrance ingredient in perfumery and the cosmetic industry. It is also widely used in culinary applications (with meats, in salads, ice creams, liqueurs, chewing gums, honey, and desserts) and in household products, particularly toothpaste.

Lemon balm is an ancient medicinal herb and was a component of traditional "Carmelite water." This preparation combined the effects of mint and chamomile, resulting in sedative effects and benefits for the digestive system. The renowned physician and naturalist Paracelsus called lemon balm the elixir of life, attributing to it calming, anti-stress, and antidepressant properties. He observed its beneficial effects on insomnia and disturbed mental states, often recommending it in herbal mixtures for children and the elderly experiencing nervousness or trouble sleeping.

Animal studies have confirmed the anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and antidepressant effects of lemon balm’s active compounds, with some variance between sexes.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved the use of lemon balm for calming and promoting sleep. Some studies suggest that regular use of lemon balm or mixtures containing it reduces symptoms in patients with mild anxiety. Other research reports a decrease in nervousness or restlessness with regular intake.

Several clinical studies describe improvements in insomnia when active lemon balm compounds were taken alone or in combination with other herbs. It appears that lemon balm may improve the quality and duration of sleep in both healthy individuals and especially those with insomnia or sleep disorders.

About 600 mg of lemon balm extract improved calmness and alertness in adults during a stress test, in a clinical study. Other research found reduced anxious behavior in children given either higher doses or smaller amounts combined with other herbs. Another study noted lessened irritability and nervousness in patients with stress-induced anxiety after four weeks of lemon balm administration.

Initial clinical findings indicate that lemon balm’s active compounds may help reduce nervousness, restlessness, and improve symptoms in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease after four months of daily use. One study documented a calming effect in various forms of dementia when lemon balm was applied topically to the face or hands.

Lemon balm’s compounds are also beneficial for abdominal pain, bloating, infections causing diarrhea, as well as during menopause and for menstrual cramps. A clinical trial confirmed the calming effect of lemon balm compounds, in combination with other herbs, in infants with colic: after seven days, crying episodes were shorter. Herbal blends (with a lemon balm predominance) have shown symptom relief for acid reflux, stomach pain, cramps, vomiting, and nausea. Some ulcerative colitis patients found lemon balm essential oil helpful after 15 days, noting decreased abdominal pain and improved digestion and gut movement. Another study recorded reduced abdominal pain and discomfort in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients given 30 drops of lemon balm extract three times daily over two months.

Lemon balm leaf compounds can suppress free radical activity at certain concentrations, making them potent antioxidants. This antioxidant effect, documented in many in vitro studies, is attributed mainly to polyphenolic components in the leaves.

In vivo models and testing have shown cardioprotective effects of aqueous lemon balm leaf extract at lower doses in models of induced heart tissue damage by ischemia. Tissues were examined histologically, and cardiac markers (such as troponin I) were measured during the experiments.

Lemon balm compounds in appropriate concentrations have a calming effect in cases of palpitations, heart conditions, and insomnia. Lemon balm can slow heart rate and lower blood pressure. Animal models have demonstrated positive effects of lemon balm leaf compounds and extracts on heart activity, specifically in harmonizing the QRS interval and other electrocardiogram parameters. With additional results showing benefits for heart rate and blood pressure, lemon balm supports healthy circulation.

The essential oil found in lemon balm leaves and stems has been widely tested for its effects on the respiratory system. These compounds possess mild antibiotic properties, support the bronchial epithelium, mildly dilate the airways, and help relieve cough. Their advantageous effect on the respiratory system has led to EMA approval for the claim that lemon balm "supports normal respiratory function."

Traditional and Folk Medicine

In folk medicine, lemon balm is administered as a calming remedy for anxiety, mild restlessness or depression, and insomnia. Herbalists recommend it for palpitations due to stress or nervous tension. Children are given lemon balm as a soothing remedy for loss of appetite, poor digestion, and to relieve cramping pain in the digestive system associated with bloating, acidity, and discomfort.

Crushed leaves or tincture can be rubbed onto the forehead and temples for headaches or migraines. Some herbals mention lemon balm ointments for cold sores caused by herpes infection. Topically, lemon balm preparations are also used for compresses and baths in rheumatoid arthritis, bruises, and swelling. It is an excellent choice for inflammatory skin conditions.

Active Compounds

The main active ingredient is essential oil (about 0.15%), consisting of citral, citronellal, luteolin, apigenin, geraniol, and their glycoside derivatives. Other important compounds include phenolics and triterpenes. Lemon balm leaves also contain about 4% tannins.

Traditional Dosage

Therapeutically, lemon balm is used as fresh or dried leaves or above-ground parts. In tea blends, crushed or cut parts of the plant are used. Lemon balm tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol), syrup, and liquid extracts are also available. The usual dosage for liquid extract is 2–4 ml three times daily, and for tincture 2–6 ml three times daily. It is generally recommended not to use lemon balm for sleep issues longer than two weeks.

Adults and children over 12 can drink lemon balm herbal tea in amounts of 1.5–4.5 grams three times daily. The tea should steep for about ten minutes before straining. Lemon balm can be used alone or combined with marjoram, angelica, valerian, and oregano in different ratios.