Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is one of those herbs that feels like a deep exhale. It has been used for centuries to soothe the nervous system, lift the spirits, and support digestion and the heart. In the apothecary, lemon balm is often reached for when stress shows up physically such as tight chests, restless sleep, nervous bellies, or emotional overwhelm. It’s a plant ally that reminds the body it is safe to soften.

Plant Profile

Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops)
Taste/Energetics: Lightly bitter, sour, Cooling, drying, gently uplifting
Tissue State- Hot/excited

Herbal Actions

Nervine, Antidepressant (mild, mood-lifting), Antispasmodic, Carminative (relieves gas and bloating), Antiviral, Mild hypotensive, Cognitive tonic

Indications & Traditional Uses

Lemon balm shines when the nervous system and digestive system are intertwined.

Anxiety, stress, and nervous tension, restlessness and difficulty sleeping, digestive upset related to stress, heart palpitations from anxiety, low mood or melancholy, viral infections (especially cold sores & herpes simplex), brain fog and mental fatigue, adhd, panic attacks, insomnia, colic, nausea, cramping pms symptoms, irritability, depression, hyperthyroidism. 

It is often described as a “gladdening” herb its know as very supportive during grief, burnout, or emotional heaviness.

Contraindications & Notes

• Generally very safe and well tolerated

• Do not use if on anticoagulants

Calming Lemon Balm Tea

A daily nervous-system ally.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 tsp dried lemon balm (or 2 Tbsp fresh)

• 1 cup hot water

Directions:
Cover and steep 10–15 minutes. 

Simple Digestive Ease Tea

For nervous bellies and bloating.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp lemon balm

• 1 tsp peppermint
  

Directions:
Steep 10–15 minutes and drink after meals.

• Instructions:
  1. Infuse: Roughly chop the lemon balm and place it in a pitcher with the sugar/honey. Pour boiling water over it and steep for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Strain: Strain out the leaves and discard them.
  3. Mix: Add the fresh lemon juice to the cooled syrup.
  4. Finish: Top with cold water and ice. Garnish with fresh lemon balm sprigs. 

Sarah's favorite ways to use Lemon balm.

I find most often that my kids react VERY well to this herb, I've given it any time I notice a long, pointy/heated tongue in my children. Any time the hyper activity is on overdrive with them, and of course, pared with chamomile, any time I just can't get them to calm down. I've found a gummy with lemon balm in it by Olly, you can find it here. they are wonderful during melt downs, not only as a way to take their mind off of why they are upset but they nearly immediately calm down their nervous system. This lovely herb is great one for the base of a lot of teas I blend. I've used it pared with st. johns wort in an essential oil blend for shingles, and it's great as a balm for cold-sores.  Lemon balm is a reminder that healing doesn’t always have to be forceful. Sometimes the most powerful medicine is gentle, steady, and kind to the nervous system.