Lemon Balm – Melissa Officinalis

Fresh lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaves growing in the garden, a calming herb traditionally used to support digestion, relaxation, and nervous system balance.

“Melissophyllon” means “bees’ leaves,” as the ancient Greeks called this herb.
In Latin America, lemon balm is known as tronjil para la pena – balm for sorrows.

Botanical background
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Iran, and Central Asia.

When to forage: June – August (Central Europe)
Parts used: Leaves and flowers
Herbal drug definitions:
– Lemon balm leaves = Melissae folium
– Lemon balm essential oil = Melissae aetheroleum

Traditional and practical uses
Lemon balm is traditionally used to support digestive comfort, the nervous system, and general wellbeing. It’s valued for its calming properties and gentle support for the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and bile.

Active compounds
Lemon balm contains essential oils (primarily citral, citronellal, linalool, geraniol, and aldehydes), tannins (especially rosmarinic acid), bitter substances, terpenes, glycosides, saponins, gums, thymol, and minerals.
Fresh plants contain approximately 253 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of fresh matter.

Plant description
Lemon balm is a hardy, herbaceous perennial that can live for 25–30 years and grow between 20–80 cm, sometimes even reaching 120 cm.
It has a unique, lemony aroma. The plant is easy to grow from seed in rich, moist soil and spreads via rhizomes.

Historical background
Paracelsus claimed his secret lemon balm elixir could prevent senility and impotence. The herb was also used in love potions and fertility rituals, particularly those honoring Diana.

Lemon balm has been used for over 2,000 years. The Greek philosopher Theophrastus mentioned it around 300 BC as “honey-leaf” (melissophyllon). It reached Spain in the 7th century and spread throughout Europe. Herbalists and scientists have praised it ever since.

The English botanist Nicholas Culpeper associated lemon balm with Jupiter in Cancer. He recommended it for digestive support, mood upliftment, and heart and brain function – many of which remain consistent with modern views.

How to Use Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is known for its gentle, calming properties, especially useful when digestive discomfort is linked to stress or nervous tension.

  • Warm lemon balm tea can help soothe the stomach and is traditionally used for heartburn, nervous indigestion, and flatulence.

  • In herbal blends, lemon balm may support the stomach lining and ease cramps when combined with calendula and comfrey.

  • It has also been used traditionally to support circulation, relieve headaches (especially stress-related), and balance bile production – often helpful during migraines.

  • In combination with other herbs, it may support the heart and circulatory system, including in cases of high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.

  • Its relaxing effects extend to the respiratory system, where it’s been used for asthma, persistent cough, and bronchial tension.

  • As a gentle diaphoretic, it promotes sweating and may support fever relief.

  • Lemon balm has been traditionally used to support menstrual regularity and reduce symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, palpitations, anxiety, and low mood.

  • It is valued as a comforting herb for emotional balance, especially in states of nervous exhaustion or melancholy.

Lemon Balm Recipes

Lemon Balm Tea for Relaxation and Calm
Pour ¼ liter of boiling water over 3 teaspoons of cut lemon balm leaves per cup. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups daily.
(Always cover your teapot or cup to preserve the essential oils – this is important.)

Melissa Spirit
Melissa essential oil is part of many herbal preparations. A traditional remedy, melissa spirit, is taken for nervous digestive complaints, heart palpitations, and as a gentle sleep aid. It is also used externally as a refreshing tonic, especially in cold seasons.

Lemon Balm Bath
The relaxing effects of lemon balm make it ideal for bathing.
Boil 50–60 g of lemon balm leaves in 1 liter of water. Let steep, covered, for 10 minutes, then add to your bath.
(Tip: Choose organic lemon balm in ready-made bath products when possible.)

Refreshing Drink for Fever
Place 2 sprigs of lemon balm and a handful of wood sorrel in a jug. Add a small lemon, sliced. Pour 1.75 liters of boiling water over it. Cover and enjoy warm or cool.

Lemon Balm Syrup (after Culpeper)
Pour 2 liters of boiling (preferably mineral or distilled) water over 1 pound of lemon balm leaves. Let sit, covered, for 12 hours near a warm place (e.g., radiator or fireplace).
Strain and repeat the process with fresh leaves.
For each liter of liquid, add 2 kg sugar.
Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Skim off any foam.
Store in sealed bottles for up to 1 year.

Usage: Take 1 teaspoon in warm water, 3 times daily.