Herb library

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, is a lemon-scented member of the mint family, long kept in kitchen gardens for its calming, uplifting scent and gentle digestive support. It is a friendly household herb used as a soothing tea, a cooling compress, or a light wash for tired skin and mouths.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a mild calming tea to ease occasional restlessness and promote relaxed sleep routines.
• •Traditionally used as a soothing digestive tea for mild indigestion, bloating, or an unsettled stomach after a rich meal.
• •A long-standing household remedy as a cooling compress or wash for minor skin irritation, insect bites, or warm, tired foreheads.
• •Traditionally used in gentle mouth rinses or gargles for a fresh, soothing feeling for minor mouth discomfort.

Simple preparations.

• •Simple tea: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 heaping teaspoon to 1 tablespoon fresh chopped leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried leaves. Steep 5 to 10 minutes, strain, sip warm up to 3 times a day.
• •Cooling compress: Make a strong infusion using 1 cup boiling water and 2 tablespoons fresh or 2 teaspoons dried leaves. Steep 15 to 20 minutes, cool to comfortable temperature, soak a clean cloth and apply to skin for 10 to 20 minutes as needed.
• •Soothing mouth rinse or gargle: Brew a cup of lemon balm tea using 1 teaspoon dried leaves in 1 cup boiling water, steep 10 minutes, cool, then swish or gargle a small mouthful for 30 seconds and spit. Use up to three times daily; do not swallow large amounts.

Cautions.

• !Lemon balm is generally gentle, but may cause mild drowsiness or stomach upset in some people, so try a small amount first.
• !Avoid giving honey-sweetened lemon balm preparations to children under one year of age.
• !Because lemon balm can add sedative effects when combined with sleep medications or sedating herbs, check with your doctor if you take prescription sedatives or are using sedating herbs.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking thyroid or other medications, check with your doctor before regular use.

Often kept beside.