Lemon balm, powder

Lemon balm, powder (1512)

Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis
Labiatae

AKA: Melissa, balm, sweet balm

Parts Used: aerial parts

Active Compounds: flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, volatile oil, triterpenes

Background:Lemon balm has been used as a healing balm for centuries. It has been used to help relax the body and spirit. Lemon balm has also been used to help reduce fever by stimulating sweat.

Overall, lemon balm was thought by ancient people to lead to a longer life. Research has shown that lemon balm works well as an antispasmodic and treatment for viral cold sores. Lemon balm can also slow down the thyroid.

Applications: Antithyroid/Antispasmodic/Carminative/Antiviral

Lemon balm is primarily used to relax the body.

Relaxation: Lemon balm may be used to help aid in relaxation. It can help to reduce anxiety and irritability.

Thyroid: Lemon balm may help to make the thyroid slow in people with hyperthyroidism.

Cold Sores: Lemon balm can help to speed up the healing time of viral cold sores from the herpes simplex virus. It can also prevent future outbreaks.

Fever: Lemon balm can help to reduce fever because of its ability to increase sweat production in the body.

Skin: Lemon balm can be used to treat minor skin irritations and insect bites.

Description:
Lemon balm is a flowering herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It's now grown all over the world. The aerial parts of the herb are used for medicinal purposes and are collected before the flowers bloom.

Dosage:

As a tincture, take 1/2 tsp 3 times daily.

As an infusion, take 1 cup 3 times daily for tension headaches. May also be applied to cold sores.

Essential oil can be added to olive oil and massaged onto skin to relieve shingles.

As an ointment, lemon balm can be applied directly to insect bites.

As a lotion, apply lemon balm to cold sores.

As a juice, apply directly to minor skin irritations.

Safety:
Do not take lemon balm essential oil internally. Consult your health care provider before beginning use of any herb.

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For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.