Herb of the Month

Lemon balm or Melissa officinalis

Why should I take it?

The plant has calming properties, improves digestion and is useful in the treatment of cold sores topically.

Tell me more?

Lemon balm is often used as a flavouring for ice cream and herbal teas. In ancient times, it was used to treat tobacco poisoning.

What are its effects?

The main effects of lemon balm are to sedate, soothe and relive spasm. It cools and calms the gut and is beneficial to the digestive system. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties (topically).

What can it treat?

It can treat stomach disorders, particularly those induced by nervous excitability. It can benefit sufferers of anxiety and panic attacks.

A cream containing extracts of lemon balm has been marketed for treating cold sores and related conditions caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Combined with St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), lemon balm can be used for those with depression and it can treat palpitations and panic attacks when combined with limeflower (Tilia spp) and motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca).