Lemon Balm is a gentle herb with a mint-like flavor. It may even be used to treat infants' colic, teething and for children's many disorders, like colds, flu and digestive problems. It helps break fevers by inducing sweating and so is used with flu.

In Europe, Lemon Balm, is often recommended for treating Graves' (thyroid) disease. Studies show that it decreases blood and pituitary levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), thus reducing thyroid hormone production.

Its anti-viral and anti-herpes properties makes it an effective antidote for genital herpes, cold sores and viral infections. Being anti-viral, Lemon balm is part of a formula for herpes, AIDS, shingles, chicken pox and also helps relieve sciatica and nerve pain. The compounds, including tannins, that are known as polyphenols are what makes it work. Brew a tea using two to four teaspoons per cup of boiling water. Then apply with cotton ball several times a day.

Relieves anxiety and tension, a nervous system relaxant. An excellent, pleasant tasting tea for people of all ages. It may be used to relieve depression, colds and fevers. It is excellent for upset stomachs.

Drink a cup of Lemon Balm Tea after a busy day or to relax before going to bed.

Relieves chronic fatigue syndrome when used in combination with other antiviral herbs: Echinacea, Goldenseal, Licorice and Ginger. You can make a tea blend using equal or varying amounts, adjusting to your personal tastes. Use one or two teaspoons and have a cup two or three times a day. Such herbs teas can be quite energizing for your body.

For migraine headaches, it is endorsed and recommended by the Commission E (the well-known panel of experts that advises the German government about herbal medicines) and Norman G. Bisset, Ph.D., professor at King's College at the University of London and author of Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, Special Edition by Norman Grainger Bisset (Editor). The suggested dose is a tea made with one to two teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water and steeped until cool. You may want to add Feverfew, Ginger and Turmeric to the mix for a potent spike.

Peppermint and lemon balm together are effective for calming upset stomach. Valerian is often combined with lemon balm for insomnia. Bugleweed(Lycopus virginicus) and lemon balm have been used together for Graves’ disease.

Externally as an ointment, it may relieve the symptoms of herpes simplex.

No significant adverse effects from lemon balm have been reported. Unlike sedative drugs, lemon balm appears to be safe even while driving or operating machinery. Lemon balm’s sedating effects are not intensified by alcohol. People with glaucoma should avoid lemon balm volatile oil until human studies are conducted, as animal studies show that it may raise pressure in the eye.

Thyroid hormones may interact with lemon balm.

• Recommended Dosage

Reference
1. Weiss RF., Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 31, 286.
2. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds)., The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 160–1.
3. Dressing H, Riemann D, Löw H, et al., Insomnia: Are valerian/balm combination of equal value to benzodiazepine? Therapiewoche 1992;42:726–36.
4. Dressing H, Köhler S, Müller WE., Improvement of sleep quality with a high-dose valerian/lemon balm preparation: A placebo-controlled double-blind study. Psychopharmakotherapie 1996;6:32–40.
5. Wöhlbling RH, Leonhardt K., Local therapy of herpes simplex with dried extract of Melissa officinalis. Phytomedicine 1994;1:25–31.
6. Koytchev R, Allen RG, Dundarov S., Balm mint extract (Lo-701) for topical treatment of recurring Herpes labialis. Phytomed 1999;6:225–30.