Lemon balm (Melissa
officinalis) is an herb with a lemon scent native to southern Europe. Historically lemon balm has been said to possess
sedative/tranquilizing, anti-gas, fever-reducing, antibacterial, spasmolytic, hypotensive, memory-enhancing, menstrual-inducing,
and thyroid-related effects and has been proposed by some to be an herbal cure-all. The plant has been used for centuries
in various cultures internationally. Lemon balm has been used for its anticaner proerties in Cuban folk medicine and
its tranquilizing properties in Portuguese folk medicine.
Lemon balm is a member of the
Lamiaceae family. Other members of the Lamiaceae family include dittany, mint, sage, siderites, and sweet marjoram.
In vitro data
suggest that lemon balm may contain high concentrations of antioxidants.
Expert Opinion and Folkloric Precedent:
In Europe, lemon balm
has been widely used as a topical antiviral treatment for genital and oral herpes, applied at the first sign of a herpes flare-up
or regularly for prevention. In Germany, the essential oil placed on the temples has been used to relieve headaches or sleeplessness.
