Text: http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbLemonBalmMed.htm Stories abound about people who ingested Lemon Balm every day in some fashion who lived to very advanced ages. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/herbaldrugs/101690.shtml Lemon Balm Latin name: Melissa officinalis Other names: Balm Mint, Bee Balm, Blue Balm, Cure-all, Garden Balm, Honey Plant, Sweet Balm, Sweet Mary A Remedy For Insomnia Nervousness Although officially recognized only for its ability to calm the nerves, Lemon Balm has also been used as a remedy for bloating and gas, mood disorders, bronchial inflammation, high blood pressure, palpitations, vomiting, toothache, earache, and headache. What It Is; Why It Works Lemon Balm's medicinal properties have been held in high regard for nearly two millennia. The Roman scholar Pliny believed Lemon Balm could prevent infection in open wounds (an action that has been clinically proven for balsamic oils in general). The noted 16th century physician Paracelsus believed Lemon Balm could heal even patients close to death. Modern research on Lemon Balm has revealed a mild sedative effect, antibacterial and antiviral properties, and an ability to relieve cramps and gas. Only the plant's leaves are medicinal. A perennial herb, Lemon Balm grows up to 3 feet in height. It is native to the east Mediterranean region and west Asia, but is cultivated throughout central Europe. Before flowering, it has a lemon-like taste and smell; and the fresh leaves, in addition to their medicinal applications, are commonly used in cooking. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/med-aro/factsheets/LEMON_BALM.html As a medicinal plant, lemon balm has traditionally been employed against catarrh, fever, flatulence, headaches, influenza, and toothaches. It has also been used as a carminative, diaphoretic, and sedative. Recent evidence suggests that lemon balm has a depressant or sedative action on the central nervous systems of laboratory mice, (7.5-90). Oil of balm has also been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antispasmodic activity. Lemon balm has been reported to be an insect repellent (11.1-96). Bee balm (Monarda spp.), often confused with lemon balm, is a separate member of the Labiatae family. http://www.sallys-place.com/food/columns/gilbert/lemon_balm.htm Londoners of Elizabethan times would carry small bouquets, called Tussie Mussies, filled with aromatic herbs and flowers, including Lemon Balm, which they would frequently sniff to disguise the horrible stench of the unsanitary conditions of the day. The taste of the leaves adds the perfect tangy note to fruit salads. Freshly steamed vegetables come alive when tossed with a chiffonade (thin strips or shreds of vegetables lightly sautÈed or used raw for garnish) of Lemon Balm and a touch of cracked pepper. For a general seasoning, use it in tandem with tarragon. It was even thought at one time to "...renew youth, strengthen the brain, and relieve languishing nature. http://www.rain-tree.com/lemonbalm.htm 15. "Balm is classified as antispasmodic, calmative, emmenagogue, carminative, and diaphoretic. Its uses in herbal medicine are many, but it is especially valued as a soother of nerves and a reliever of tensions, especially for women troubled by the stress of PMS or by the emotional upset that may accompany menstrual or menopausal problems. Balm is also used to ease menstrual cramps, and as an emmenagogue it is recommended in cases of delayed menstruation." http://health.yahoo.com/health/Alternative_Medicine/Herbal_Remedies_Tree/Herbal_Remedies/lemon_balm/ Only the plant's leaves are medicinal. http://hortweb.cas.psu.edu/extension/vegcrops/herbs/lemon_balm.html The Roman scholar Pliny and the Greek physician Dioscorides both used lemon balm as a medicinal herb. In the 1600s, it was called 'hearts delight' by the Swiss physician Paracelsus. The American colonists used lemon balm, and it was noted in recipes from old Williamsburg. Also, Thomas Jefferson grew it in his garden at Monticello. http://altnature.com/gallery/Lemonbalm.htm it can help significantly in the treatment of cold sores and combat the herpes simplex virus. Added to bath it relieves muscle tension and soothes irritated skin. The oil is often added to skin preparations and perfumes. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy and is very pleasant used in potpourris. Folklore: In ancient times Balm was planted by ones front door to drive away evil spirits. It was also used to draw bees to the hive. Avicenna, an 11th century Arab herbalist said "it causeth the mind and heart to become merry" http://bakalski.dir.bg/catalog/LemonBalm/Properties.htm Balm is a remedy for common female complaints and is useful for all sorts of nervous problems, hysteria, melancholy, and insomnia. Use balm tea to relieve cramps, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, liver, spleen, bladder troubles, chronic bronchial catarrh, and some forms of asthma. Try it also for migraine and toothache, and, during pregnancy, for headaches, tension, and dizziness. The warm infusion has diaphoretic effects. An infusion of the leaves added to bath water is also said to promote the onset of menstruation. It is a cooling drink for feverish colds fever, and flu. Use the crushed leaves as a poultice for sores, tumors, swellings, milk-knots, and insect bites. Balm promotes sweating, and is a valuable stand-by when fever is present. Balm is also used in herb pillows because of its agreeable odor. Experimentally, hot-water extracts have been shown strongly antiviral for Newcastle disease, herpes, mumps; also antibacterial, antihistaminic, antispasmodic, and anti-oxidant. http://articles.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0000/ai_2603000077 Lemon balm is a citrus-scented, aromatic herb. It is a perennial member of the Labiatae, or mint, family and has proven benefit to the nervous system. This lovely Mediterranean native, dedicated to the goddess Diana, is bushy and bright. Greeks used lemon balm medicinally over 2,000 years ago. Honey bees swarm to the plant. This attraction inspired the generic name, melissa, the Greek word for honeybee. Romans introduced lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) to Great Britain where it became a favorite cottage garden herb. The plant has been naturalized in North America. Lemon balm is a soothing, sedative herb that can relieve tension and lift depression. An infusion of this citrus-scented herb will improve digestion, reduce fever, ease spasms, and enhance relaxation. The plant has antihistamine properties and helps with allergies. Lemon balm infusions, taken hot, will induce sweating. Lemon balm has been used for centuries to calm the mind, improve memory, and sharpen the wit. A daily infusion of lemon balm is said to promote longevity. It is a helpful herb in cases of hyperthyroid activity, palpitations of the heart, and tension headache. It can relieve pre-menstrual tension and menstrual cramping. It helps promote good digestion, relieve flatulence, and colic, and can ease one into a restful sleep. Lemon balm has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Used externally as a skin wash, this gentle herb can ease the sting of insect bites, soothe cold sore eruptions (herpes simplex), and treat sores and wounds. Lemon balm's highly aromatic qualities make it a good insect repellent. It is also valued in aromatherapy to relax and soothe a troubled mind. Fresh leaves are often added to salads, or used with fish, mushroom, and cheese dishes. In France, the herb is used in making cordials, and is called Tea de France. Lemon balm leaves and flowers are used in medicinal remedies. The herb is at its best when used fresh from the harvest. The leaves may be picked throughout the summer, but the flavor is at its prime just before flowering. When the plant is dried for storage, the volatile oils diminish, reducing the medicinal potency of the herb. Freezing the fresh harvest is a good way to preserve the leaves for later use. http://www.innvista.com/health/herbs/lemonbal.htm Cautions: Because of its sedating effect, it should not be taken before operating machinery or by anyone who must remain alert. The herb may also affect the actions of tranquilizers and sedatives. Because of its possible effects on the uterus and the body's hormone balance, it should not be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding. The aerial parts are harvested from early summer onward, but are best just before the flowers open when the concentration of volatile oil is at its highest. Charlemagne ordered that it be planted in every monastery garden. A favourite herb of medieval times, it was known as an "elixir of youth." Gerard said that the herb "comforteth the hart and driveth away all sadnesse." The Shakers of North America were fond of lemon balm, using it for female reproductive health, including menstrual and birth difficulties and conception. They grew and sold it in great quantities in the mid-1800s. http://www.life-enhancement.com/article_template.asp?ID=906 In Germany, where herbal medicine is highly developed and widely practiced, lemon balm is approved and commonly prescribed for use in the treatment of nervous agitation and sleeping problems. One Must Choose One¹s Leaves Carefully Prior experience had shown the researchers that the source of the lemon balm and the method of its preparation were very important factors in the biological activity observed, with some samples being much more effective than others. For the present study, they obtained eight high-quality commercial lemon balm samples (dried and powdered leaves) and tested alcoholic extracts of these leaves for two beneficial ACh-related activities: 1) Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that attacks and destroys acetylcholine (most anti-Alzheimer¹s drugs are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors). None of the eight samples showed any such activity. 2) Stimulation of acetylcholine receptors of both kinds‹nicotinic and muscarinic‹in samples of human brain tissue taken from the cerebral cortex at autopsy. The eight samples gave varying results in this regard, and the one that had the most favorable activity profile was selected for use in the study. Lemon Balm May Help in Alzheimer¹s Disease. The subjects showed significant improvement in quality (accuracy) of memory, and in calmness, especially with the highest amount of lemon balm used, 1600 mg. http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_lemon_balm.htm Lemon balm is an excellent remedy for soothing the nerves and lifting the spirits. Lemon balm has a particular affinity with the digestive system, where it calms and soothes nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, colic, dysentery, colitis and any stress-related digestive problems. The bitters gently stimulate the liver and gallbladder and enhance digestion and absorption. Lemon balm makes a useful remedy where nervousness or depression affect the action of the heart, causing heart pains, palpitations or an irregular heartbeat. In the reproductive system, lemon balm relaxes spasm causing period pain, and relieves irritability and depression associated with PMS. Lemon balm also helps regulate periods and has been used traditionally to relax and strengthen women during childbirth and to bring on the afterbirth. Both postnatally and during menopause lemon balm can help relieve depression. The relaxant effects of lemon balm help relieve pain and spasm in the kidneys and urinary system. Lemon balm makes a good remedy for headaches, migraine, vertigo and buzzing in the ears, and when combined with linden blossom it can help reduce blood pressure. In hot infusion it causes sweating, reducing fevers and making a good remedy for childhood infections, colds and flu, coughs and catarrh. Its relaxant and mucous-reducing properties are helpful during acute and chronic bronchitis, as well as harsh irritating coughs and asthma. Lemon balm makes a good remedy for allergies and its antiviral action makes it excellent for cold sores. http://www.deltagardens.com/medicinal/lemon_balm.htm Produces a calm which allows deeper exploration or work; One's mind remains keen while enveloped by peacefulness; Useful in combination with remedies which catalyst movement or a stirring of emotion. http://www.viable-herbal.com/herbdesc2/1lemonba.htm The warm infusion has diaphoretic effects. An infusion of the leaves added to bath water is also said to promote the onset of menstruation. The crushed leaves can be used as a poultice for sores, tumors, milk-knots, and insect bites. Balm is also used in herb pillows because of its agreeable odor. http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/herbs/msg0309102926866.html My new favorite way of using lemon balm is harvesting big bunches and freezing them for later use. Teas & infusions brewed from the frozen leaves are oodles more flavorful than from dried leaves. I do the same w/lemongrass now too. Hot green tea w/lemon balm is tops! And lavender/lemonbalm-ade is delish. http://www.herbalgram.org/youngliving/expandedcommissione/he057.asp In Germany, lemon balm is licensed as a standard medicinal tea for sleep disorders and gastrointestinal tract disorders http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herb_information/lemon_balm.htm Astrologically it was placed 'under the power of Jupiter as a strong blood and heart restorative'. In early times it was used: to make the mind and heart merry to help people who sleep too much to drive out cares and melancholy Tradition: Lemon Balm was used in spells for healing to bring success to find love and friendship

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