Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a lemon-scented member of the mint family, easy to grow and long loved in the garden and the teacup. Its botanical name, Melissa, comes from the Greek word for "bee", a nod to how readily its leaves attract bees even before the plant flowers.

Traditional and historical use

Lemon balm carries a rich folk history across Greek, Arabian and European herbal traditions. It has traditionally been used to:

• Settle the digestion and ease wind, often described as a carminative that works with the gut
• Calm the nerves and soothe a restless, irritable or anxious mind
• Support restful sleep and ease tension
• Lift the spirits and "make the heart merry", as Paracelsus once put it

The 17th-century herbalist Culpeper wrote that lemon balm aids digestion and helps "open obstructions of the brain", while the Greek physician Dioscorides regarded it as something close to an elixir of life. In Greece it was also traditionally used to support the menstrual cycle, and beekeepers rubbed it on their hives to keep their colonies settled. The Sunshine Coast herbalist Isabel Shipard recommended it as a simple tea with lemongrass, lemon verbena and a slice of lemon.

The leaves are used fresh or dried in teas and salads, ideally picked before flowering when they are at their most fragrant, while the whole plant is often used in tinctures.

How Amina considers it

In Amina's practice, lemon balm is one of many gentle herbs that may be considered for people experiencing nervous tension, low mood or an unsettled gut, including the digestive flare-ups that can come with stress. It is always chosen as part of an individualised plan during a consultation, never in isolation, and is often paired thoughtfully with other calming herbs to suit the person in front of her.

Safety and considerations

Lemon balm is generally regarded as a gentle herb, yet no plant is right for everyone. It may not suit some thyroid situations, and as with any herb it can interact with medications and is not appropriate during every stage of life, including some pregnancy and breastfeeding contexts. If you are taking sedative or thyroid medication, take particular care. Always seek advice from a qualified practitioner before use. You are welcome to get in touch to discuss whether it is suitable for you.

This profile is educational and describes traditional use. It is not a treatment recommendation.