Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a fragrant member of the mint family, has been cherished for centuries for its medicinal and culinary uses. With its fresh, lemony aroma and soothing properties, this resilient herb has found its place in herbal medicine cabinets, tea blends, and even gardens as a natural pest repellent.
This blog post explores the many benefits of lemon balm, from its calming effects to its digestive and antiviral properties.
Lemon balm is a perennial herb that thrives in gardens with minimal care. It produces delicate white or pale yellow flowers in the summer, attracting pollinators while deterring unwanted pests. Thanks to its fast growth and spreading nature, it can become invasive…so planting it in containers or trimming it regularly is recommended.
Important Safety Note - Lemon balm is considered safe for most people, but it may interact with thyroid medications, sedatives, or blood pressure drugs. If you take any of these, consult your healthcare provider before using lemon balm medicinally.
Much like chamomile, lemon balm is best known for its calming properties and its ability to support digestion, ease tension, and promote overall well-being. Whether consumed as a tea, applied topically, or taken as an extract, lemon balm has a variety of wellness applications:
Reduces Stress & Anxiety - Lemon balm has been used for centuries to ease stress and promote relaxation. Modern research supports this, showing that lemon balm extract may help lower anxiety levels and improve mood.
Supports Sleep & Relaxation - Lemon balm is a gentle, natural sleep aid, often combined with valerian root for a stronger effect.
Boosts Cognitive Function - Lemon balm may also support memory and focus, making it a great herb for mental clarity.
Aids Digestion & Eases Bloating - Traditionally, lemon balm has been used to soothe digestive discomfort, including bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Eases Menstrual Discomfort - Lemon balm’s muscle-relaxing properties make it beneficial for easing menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms, according to a 2015 clinical trial. Females who took 1,200 mg of lemon balm daily over three consecutive menstrual cycles experienced significant reductions in PMS symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
Natural Antiviral for Cold Sores - Lemon balm is one of the most researched natural remedies for cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).
Growing Your Own Lemon Balm
The good news? Lemon balm is easy to grow and maintain! This hardy herb prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-draining soil. Once established, it requires minimal watering and can even tolerate drought conditions. Planting Tips:
Sow seeds in early spring after the last frost.
Water regularly at first, then reduce watering once the plant is established.
Trim frequently to prevent it from becoming invasive and encourage fresh growth.
Incorporating Lemon Balm into Your Routine
Lemon balm is commonly enjoyed as a tea, but it can also be used in various ways:
Tea – Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water for a refreshing herbal infusion.
Tinctures & Extracts – A concentrated form for internal or topical use.
Skincare & Lip Balm – Used in natural balms and creams for soothing irritated skin and cold sores. Homemade Lemon Balm Hydrosols are absolutely life-giving and heart-opening.
Culinary Uses – Add fresh lemon balm to salads, pestos, or infused waters for a mild lemony flavor.
Lemon balm is a versatile and powerful medicinal herb, offering benefits for stress relief, sleep, digestion, cognitive function, menstrual health, and antiviral support. Whether you enjoy it as a tea, apply it to your skin, or grow it in your garden, this citrus-scented herb is a great addition to any natural wellness routine.
We love this herb and proudly feature it in almost ALL of our herbal tea blends. This beneficial, flavorful, life-giving plant is foundational to our brand. We love you lemon balm.
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
