Lemon Balm

Lemon balm/ Melissa officinalis

Leaving in this busy and dynamic world I suffer from being overwhelmed and very stressed out about my job, business, family and so on. Having chronic pain, inflammatory and digestive issues, and often insomnia because of that, a couple of years ago I started looking for natural remedies that can help with my situation. Lemon balm is one of the remedies/herbs that I use most of the time and I have significantly improved my insomnia, digestion and anxiety.

Lemon balm contains flavonoids that have antioxidant properties and help with inflammation, allergies and viruses.  Also, it contains volatile oils that are antiseptic. They stimulate the lining of the digestive system increasing digestive juices. They act on the nervous system with their calming, sedative, and antidepressant properties. Tannins are the other constituent that is present in Lemon balm and they help with digestion because the bitter principle and improves liver function, increase detoxification of the body, increased bile production and inflammation.

Lemon balm has lots of actions and it acts as a Nervine and Adaptogen that affects the nervous system and acts on the nerves; Sedative and Carminative with its calming agent that relieves anxiety and feelings of depression; Astringent and Bitter that stimulates digestive juices and improves digestion; Mild Antispasmodic which reduces voluntary or involuntary muscle spasms and relieves cramps; Diaphoretic because helps to induce perspiration;  Antiviral/Antimicrobial which  destroys/suppresses the growth of viruses, generally by supporting the immune system. Topically is used for herpes infections.

By itself, as a fresh herb Lemon balm tastes like a flavorful herb, very vaguely minty, mostly sweet, and definitely with a citrus tone. With its delicate citrus flavour Lemon balm is a tasty and relaxing herbal tea. When I drink the tea I feel a little bit of bitter taste because of its tannin’s properties with tightening as an astringent taste. I feel stimulating, calming and warming sensations as well. This herb has a mild sedative effect on me and helps me to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and inflammation. It’s also effective in aiding the sleeping deprivation that I suffer with.

Personally, I experience lots of benefits drinking Lemon balm infusion. My digestion is improved when I take it after lunch. The inflammation is reduced and my anxiety and insomnia are significantly better because of its calming/soothing properties. Lemon balm is generally safe and tolerated by all ages but may interact with sedatives and thyroid medications. People who have hypothyroidism should not take it. I am so happy that I am able to grow this plant in my garden and make fresh tea every day.

Making Lemon balm for me is like a ritual every morning and every night. It is very easy to make it. I make an infusion with 1btsp of dry Lemon balm leaves with 1 cup of hot water, covered for 15 min. I am drinking this infusion 3 times a day to help with anxiety, digestion and insomnia.