Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

Reference	HPDHLEM
Part of plant	Leaves
Country of Origin	France

Applications
Internally Lemon Balm tea is used to help treat nervous disorders, indigestion and/or excitability developing from nervous disorder, hyperthyroidism, and depression, anxiety, palpitations and tension headaches.
It is very calming and often used for sleeplessness and also for nervous stomach disorders in children as well as adults. As a sedative for adults it is particularly effective when combined with valerian. Culinary Lemon balm leaves are used to give a lemon flavor to soups, salads, sauces, herb vinegars, game and fish. It is also an ingredient of Benedictine and Chartreuse. Externally Applied externally, lemon balm is an effective treatment for herpes simplex (cold sores), sores and insect bites, and helps to give some relief from gout.
The essential oil has excellent antiviral properties and is used in the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) as well as herpes simplex. See also Melissa essential oil . The dried leaves can be added to potpourris, as well as herbal cushions or sachets to perfume drawers or cupboards.

How to Use
The German Commission E monograph suggests 1.5–4.5 grams of lemon balm in a tea several times daily. The herb can be steeped for 10-15 minutes in 150 ml of boiling water to make the tea.

Safety Data
Presently there are no known contraindications when consumed within the recommended dosage range.

About the Product
Lemon Balm is a lemon scented perennial indigenous to the Mediterranean, but now widespread throughout the world. The Greeks and Romans used to use it to boost the morale and stimulate the memory. The French call it the plant of relaxation. It is often used as a general nervous system restorative, digestive calmative – particularly for digestive troubles caused by anxiety and to reduce blood pressure. Some say it really does help one stay in good humour! Sedative for the nerves, good for insomniacs, nervous breakdowns, nervous crises generally it is particularly good for morning sickness.
The plant is also capable of lowering fever, improving digestion, relaxing spasms and improving peripheral blood vessels. It helps with hyperthyroidism, while having anti-viral, anti-biotic and insect-repellent effects.
The dried leaves, as well as the essential oil are used medicinally.