Unlocking the Power of Lemon Balm: July's Herbal Ally for Wellness

Lemon Balm Tea

When life feels overwhelming, and your body seems to be fighting battles you can't always see, finding gentle, natural support can make a world of difference. Let’s explore how Lemon Balm, July's herbal ally, can become a part of your wellness routine, offering comfort and balance when you need it most.

Lemon Balm - July's Herbal Ally

Lemon Balm growing in a garden

Botanical Information

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb with a bushy appearance, belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is recognized for its bright green leaves that emit a lemon fragrance, grow on square stems, and attract bees with small white or pale pink flowers. Originally from Europe, it has become widely naturalized, reaching heights of 1-2 feet, and is used in cooking, as an ornamental plant, and medicinally for its calming properties, attributed to compounds like rosmarinic acid. 

Lemon Balm's History

Lemon balm boasts a 2,000-year history.

• It was prized by the Greeks and Romans for calming the nerves and uplifting spirits. They also used it to attract bees to hives.

• During the Middle Ages, Lemon Balm was a staple in monastic gardens for its soothing effects. Hildegard of Bingen praised its heart-lifting properties.

Carmelite Nuns with the "elixir of life"

• Lemon Balm was also used by monks and nuns in the 14th century for their "Carmelite Water" elixirs. This continued through the Renaissance, and was called the "elixir of life" for nervous system complaints by Paracelsus.

• In the 17th century, Nicholas Culpeper, an English herbalist and physician, used Lemon Balm to cheer the heart and treat anxiety as well as indigestion.

• Lemon Balm was brought to America by colonists for remedies, such as anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, as well as for potpourri, and as a culinary herb for teas, jams, and desserts. They also used it as a substitute for lemon in cooking.

• This versatile herb's uses ranged from enhancing bee attraction and polishing furniture, to treating headaches, melancholy, and viral infections.

Lemon Balm's Health Benefits

Lemon Balm has many health benefits, such as:

• It's used in modern herbalism for anxiety, stress, insomnia, and melancholy. Lemon Balm boosts GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that helps to reduce stress, nervousness, and agitation and may even help in dementia patients. As a sleep aid, Lemon Balm is commonly used in teas, often with Valerian, to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

• As a digestive aid, Lemon Balm helps with gas, bloating, indigestion, and colic due to its antispasmodic properties.

• Lemon Balm may improve mood, memory, and mental clarity, with potential benefits for cognitive decline.

• According to some animal and human studies, Lemon Balm may help with heart palpitations, reduce heart rate, and protect against heart injury.

• Some studies suggest that Lemon Balm can alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mostly likely due to its antispasmodic and muscle relaxant properties.

• Lemon Balm's cooling nature makes it helpful in reducing a fever.

• In a topical cream or salve, Lemon Balm can be effective in treating cold sores due to its strong antiviral properties. Lemon Balm can help speed healing and reduce symptoms like pain and redness.

Lemon Balm Recipes

Lemon Balm is usually made into a tea by itself or with other herbs. Make a tea with a tablespoon of the fresh leaves, steeped in a cup of "almost" boiling water (if you only have dried leaves, use a heaping teaspoon of dried Lemon Balm per cup of water). Let it steep for 15 minutes, strain, then drink. You could also add other herbs such as fresh Mint (also cooling and refreshing), Lavender (to calm the nervous system), and Valerian (to aid sleep).

Lemon Balm tinctures or glycerin-extracts are other convenient ways to take the herb.

Fresh Lemon Balm leaves can be used to garnish drinks and dishes. Chop fresh leaves and add to salads, fruit salads, or incorporate into baked goods, jams, and jellies.

Lemon Balm's essential oil acts as a natural insect repellant and can help deter mosquitoes. Rub the fresh leaves on your skin, or add some drops of Lemon Balm essential oil to water in a spray bottle to apply to the skin.

If you garden, have a few Lemon Balm plants to attract bees.

Jar of Lemon Balm Salve surrounded by Lemon Balm leaves

You could also make a salve with Lemon Balm for cold sores. First, make a solar-infused herbal oil, or make an infused-oil on the stovetop. Then to make your salve, follow these directions. Use your Lemon Balm Salve when you experience the first signs of a cold sore. If you don't wish to make your own salve, I have a Lemon Balm Salve in my shop.

Have a happy and healthy July!