7 Questions
What is lemon balm's Latin name?
Melissa officinalis
What is lemon balm used for?
Various health issues including anxiety, colds, stress, and heart palpitations
What are lemon balm’s energetic properties?
Cooling and drying
How can lemon balm be used for upper respiratory infections?
Relaxing diaphoretic, acts as an antiviral
How can lemon balm help young children who are teething?
Calm and soothe, relieve teething pain
What are some of the ways lemon balm can be used in foods?
All of the above
What is the recommended dosage for lemon balm tea?
1 teaspoon to 1 ounce of dried herb made into tea per day
Study Notes
Botanical Information
- Botanical name: Melissa officinalis
- Other common names: balm, common balm, balm mint
- Family: Lamiaceae (mint)
- Parts used: leaves
- Energetics: cooling, drying
- Taste: sour
Plant Properties and Uses
- Aromatic, relaxing nervine, antiviral, relaxing diaphoretic, aromatic digestant, antispasmodic, antioxidant
- Plant uses: anxiety, bug bites, colds and influenza, fever, nervousness, nervous digestion, stress, viral infections, radiation, heart disease, insomnia, depression
Energetics and Stress Relief
- Cooling and slightly drying properties
- Used for hot conditions: bug bites, fever, stress, and insomnia
- Classified as a relaxing nervine, used for hypersensitive nervous system issues
- Combines well with chamomile and passionflower for stress relief
Cognitive Benefits
- Supports cognitive health and strengthens the brain
- Studies show improved memory and focus in older adults and healthy young adults
- Combination with sage, rosemary, and frankincense enhances cognitive benefits
Thyroid and Heart Health
- Historically used for hyperactive thyroid, but no clinical evidence for avoiding use in hypothyroid cases
- Protects the heart by modulating inflammation, reducing harmful lipid levels, and improving lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes
- Reduces benign heart palpitations
Antiviral Properties
- Inhibits virus penetration and replication
- Effective against herpes simplex, reducing symptoms and healing time
- Supports fever process and reduces irritation and agitation
Pain Relief and Digestion
- Mild antispasmodic, relieving tension headaches and muscle cramps
- Aromatic and carminative, easing stagnant digestion, abdominal cramping, and promoting healthy digestion
- Relieves menstrual cramping and PMS symptoms
Children's Health
- Effective for relieving pain and discomfort from insect bites and stings
- Soothes teething pain and calms restlessness and dyssomnia in children
Radiation Protection
- Protects against DNA damage and oxidative stress caused by radiation exposure
- Reduces oxidative stress and DNA damage in radiology staff members
Cancer Prevention
- In vitro tests show promise against lung, colon, and breast cancers, but more research is needed
This quiz is on lemon balm!
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
