~ “it will comfort the heart and drive away melancholy” ~
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a spring time herb known for its fresh lemon scent.
During the growing season a freshly scented tea can be made to soothe and calm the senses.
It is the perfect herb for a nervous disposition or where there is debility from nervous exhaustion.
Lemon balm is used by herbalists to treat a variety of ailments including nervous disorders and conditions of sympathetic excess. Four hundred years ago, the English herbal physician John Evelyn wrote “Lemon Balm is sovereign for the brain. It strengthens the memory and powerfully chases away melancholy”.
Children seem to respond well to lemon balm when they are anxious or upset and it is a useful cooling remedy for a fever.
One small study demonstrated a decrease in agitation and stress in patients with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies also show Lemon balm to be effective in the treatment of Herpes simplex.
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (BHP) describes the actions of Lemon Balm as ‘carminative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic & sedative’. It also states it is indicated for ‘flatulent dyspepsia, neurasthenia & depressive illness and that it is ‘specifically indicated for dyspepsia associated with anxiety or depressive states’.
Specific indications –
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Palpitations
- Hyperthyroidism
- Rapid pulse
- Panic attacks
- Nervous headache
- Sleeplessness
- Fever
- Nervous indigestion
- Herpes simplex virus
- Convulsive coughing
Buy Lemon balm tincture here.
