t Angie’s Gardens, we believe in the transformative power of herbs to support wellness and bring balance to everyday life. One of our favorite herbs is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a versatile plant cherished for its calming, uplifting, and restorative properties. Native to the Mediterranean and a member of the mint family, lemon balm has been used for centuries in herbal medicine—and for good reason. Its delightful lemony scent and soothing qualities make it a cornerstone for both physical and emotional well-being.
Lemon Balm Health Benefits
- A Nervine for Calm and Clarity
Lemon balm is a natural nervine, meaning it supports the nervous system and helps manage stress. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, agitation, or even stage fright, lemon balm has a unique ability to calm the mind while uplifting the spirit. It’s also helpful in promoting restful sleep, making it an excellent choice for those battling insomnia or restless nights. -
- Digestive Support
This herb is a gentle yet effective carminative, which means it helps relieve gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort. Its antispasmodic properties also make it useful for soothing menstrual cramps, stomach aches, and other body spasms. Many people find that lemon balm’s mild bitter taste helps ease digestive stress caused by anxiety. - Immune Booster and Skin SootherLemon balm’s antimicrobial properties shine when it comes to supporting immunity. It’s particularly effective against the herpes simplex virus, making it a popular ingredient in lip balms for cold sores. When applied topically, lemon balm also soothes itchy or irritated skin, helping with blemishes, insect bites, and minor rashes.
- Circulatory and Cognitive Support
As a mild vasodilator, lemon balm improves blood circulation and may help lower high blood pressure. Prolonged use has also been shown to enhance memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills, making it supportive for individuals managing ADD or age-related cognitive decline.
How to Use Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a wonderfully versatile herb, and there are countless ways to incorporate it into your daily routine:
- Herbal Teas and Iced Teas: Brew fresh or dried lemon balm leaves for a refreshing drink that calms the mind and supports digestion.
- Infused Honey: Fill a mason jar with lemon balm leaves, cover them with raw honey, and let the mixture infuse for a few weeks. Use the honey to sweeten teas or drizzle over food.
- Tinctures: These concentrated extracts are easy to use and especially effective for managing stress or boosting immunity.
- Baths and Topicals: Add fresh lemon balm leaves to a warm bath to soothe the skin and relax the body. It’s also wonderful in homemade lip balms or salves for skin care.
- Culinary Delights: Lemon balm’s lemony flavor makes it a delicious addition to fruit salads, marinades, fish dishes, and more.
Fun Facts About Lemon Balm
- The name Melissa comes from the Greek word for “bee.” Lemon balm has been used for centuries to attract bees to hives and stimulate honey production.
- King Charles V of France drank lemon balm tea daily to calm nervousness and heart palpitations, a practice later adopted by King Louis.
- Lemon balm is high in volatile oils, which not only give it its signature lemony scent but also help the plant communicate with pollinators like bees.
At Angie’s Gardens, we believe in the transformative power of herbs to support wellness and bring balance to everyday life. One of our favorite herbs is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a versatile plant cherished for its calming, uplifting, and restorative properties. Native to the Mediterranean and a member of the mint family, lemon balm has been used for centuries in herbal medicine—and for good reason. Its delightful lemony scent and soothing qualities make it a cornerstone for both physical and emotional well-being.
Lemon Balm Health Benefits
- A Nervine for Calm and Clarity
Lemon balm is a natural nervine, meaning it supports the nervous system and helps manage stress. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, agitation, or even stage fright, lemon balm has a unique ability to calm the mind while uplifting the spirit. It’s also helpful in promoting restful sleep, making it an excellent choice for those battling insomnia or restless nights. -
- Digestive Support
This herb is a gentle yet effective carminative, which means it helps relieve gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort. Its antispasmodic properties also make it useful for soothing menstrual cramps, stomach aches, and other body spasms. Many people find that lemon balm’s mild bitter taste helps ease digestive stress caused by anxiety. - Immune Booster and Skin Soother: Lemon balm’s antimicrobial properties shine when it comes to supporting immunity. It’s particularly effective against the herpes simplex virus, making it a popular ingredient in lip balms for cold sores. When applied topically, lemon balm also soothes itchy or irritated skin, helping with blemishes, insect bites, and minor rashes.
- Circulatory and Cognitive Support
As a mild vasodilator, lemon balm improves blood circulation and may help lower high blood pressure. Prolonged use has also been shown to enhance memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills, making it supportive for individuals managing ADD or age-related cognitive decline.
How to Use Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a wonderfully versatile herb, and there are countless ways to incorporate it into your daily routine:
- Herbal Teas and Iced Teas: Brew fresh or dried lemon balm leaves for a refreshing drink that calms the mind and supports digestion.
- Infused Honey: Fill a mason jar with lemon balm leaves, cover them with raw honey, and let the mixture infuse for a few weeks. Use the honey to sweeten teas or drizzle over food.
- Tinctures: These concentrated extracts are easy to use and especially effective for managing stress or boosting immunity.
- Baths and Topicals: Add fresh lemon balm leaves to a warm bath to soothe the skin and relax the body. It’s also wonderful in homemade lip balms or salves for skin care.
- Culinary Delights: Lemon balm’s lemony flavor makes it a delicious addition to fruit salads, marinades, fish dishes, and more.
Fun Facts About Lemon Balm
- The name Melissa comes from the Greek word for “bee.” Lemon balm has been used for centuries to attract bees to hives and stimulate honey production.
- King Charles V of France drank lemon balm tea daily to calm nervousness and heart palpitations, a practice later adopted by King Louis.
- Lemon balm is high in volatile oils, which not only give it its signature lemony scent but also help the plant communicate with pollinators like bees.
Lemon Balm Products
Morning Herbal Teas:
Sweet Sunrise, Good Vibes
Mood Improvement Teas:
Afternoon Delight, Daily Bliss, Cannabliss (with cannabis flower)
Sleepy Time Teas:
Quiet Sunset, Sweet Dreams
Cautions and Considerations
While lemon balm is generally safe, those with glaucoma should avoid using it, as it may increase pressure in the eye.
For more information about Cinnamon or any other Herbal Medicine question, please don’t hesitate to call us during office hours.
