General Information
OTHER NAMES: Melissa, Melissae folium, honey balm, Melissa officinalis, common balm, balm mint (Not to be confused with lemon grass or lemon verbena)
HISTORY: Lemon balm was used nearly 2000 years ago for medicinal purposes in Rome and Egypt
PROPERTIES: Antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant, possibly antiinflammatory, carminative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic
Considered Uses
Respiratory: Cold and flu, asthma
Gastrointestinal: Liver, functional gastrointestinal problems - like IBS (GermanCommission E), nausea, cold sores
Genitourinary: Hot flashes
Musculoskeletal: Possibly local inflammation
Neurologic: Cognition and anxiety in Alzheimer's, increased memory, alertness, "nervous sleeping disorders" (German Commission e), nervous tics
Skin: Helps heal cold sores (herpes labialis), HSV ll outbreaks, shingles, chicken pox lesions, (topical antiviral) bites, stings, local antiinflammatory
Mental health: Insomnia, anxiety (increases calming neurotransmitter GABA), depression (oral administration)
Cholesterol: May help lower LDL cholesterol
Immunity: Immune system support
Cancer: May be helpful in colon cancer
Other: Insecticide (mosquitoes and ticks)
* * *
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, wheezing (allergic reaction), excitability, nervousness, increased appetite, dizziness
CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Thyroid medications (may decrease the efficacy of these), thyroid conditions, and sedatives
FORMS: Tea, oils, extracts, creams, capsules, lip balm, powders, lotions, dried
RECOMMENDED BRANDS
No available recommended brands at this time
DOSAGES: As directed
Reported doses - Often not supported by evidence per reports by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E, NIH publications and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.
Varies: 500 mg to 1500 mg daily depending on the condition for up to 6 months; topical use will vary by condition and product.
Tea 1/4 - 1 tsp of dried herb in hot water as needed
*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.