Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
香蜂草
Pinyin: Xiāng Fēng Cǎo
Plant Family
Lamiaceae
Part Used
Leaves and flowering tops
Origin
Southern Europe, Mediterranean; cultivated worldwide
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family with heart-shaped leaves that smell strongly of lemon when crushed. It has been used for over 2,000 years as a calming herb. The botanical name Melissa comes from the Greek word for "bee," as bees are very attracted to its flowers.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
aromatic, sour, bitter
Meridians (归经)
heart, spleen, liver
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Nervousness, anxiety, and restlessness
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Digestive upset, gas, bloating (carminative)
- Cold sores and herpes (topical - antiviral)
- Depression and melancholy
- Headache (tension/nervous type)
- Menstrual pain
- Cognitive function
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used as tea, tincture, capsules, essential oil, cream (for cold sores), and fresh in cooking. Makes a delicious, refreshing iced tea in summer. Very gentle and safe for children.
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 2-4 tsp dried leaves, steeped 5-10 min (covered), 2-3 times daily. Capsules: 300-600mg of standardized extract (2% rosmarinic acid). Tincture: 2-6ml daily. Topical cream: apply to cold sores 3-5 times daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Just before or at the beginning of flowering (summer). Harvest in morning after dew dries for highest essential oil content.
Quality Indicators
Bright green leaves with strong, fresh lemon aroma. High rosmarinic acid content. Should not be brown or have musty smell. Fresh herb is best for tea.
Storage
Store dried leaves in airtight container in cool, dark place. Shelf life: 1 year (essential oil dissipates quickly). Fresh: refrigerate for 3-5 days.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Thyroid disorders (may affect thyroid function - conflicting evidence)Pregnancy and breastfeeding (generally safe in food amounts)Glaucoma (may increase eye pressure - theoretical)Children: generally safe in appropriate doses
Possible Side Effects
- Very safe and well-tolerated
- Rare: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain (high doses)
- Dizziness (in sensitive individuals)
- Increased appetite (in some people)
- Allergic reaction (rare)
Drug Interactions
- Sedatives and CNS depressants (enhanced effect)
- Thyroid medications (may interfere - monitor levels)
- HIV medications (protease inhibitors - may reduce effectiveness)
- Glaucoma medications
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar)
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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