Lemon Balm Extract

Species Name: Melissa officinalis.

Also Known As: sweet balm, heart’s delight, Balm mint; Bee balm; Blue balm; Garden balm; Honey plant;

Lemon balm is a native plant in Europe, but is now worldwide. Popular in herb gardens, this perennial flowering plant attracts bees. It is used for medicinal purposes, in furniture polish, and in cosmetics.

Growing up to two feet in height, lemon balm has white to light yellow flowers with leaves that range from yellow-green to dark green.

When rubbed, the leaves emit a sweet/tart lemon smell. Lemon balm is a popular herbal tea, often combined with herbs like spearmint. It is also used to flavor ice cream.

What is Lemon Balm Extract? Lemon balm extract is made from the plant leaves. The extract and essential oils of Melissa officinalis contain the active ingredients tannin, terpenes, and eugenol.

Home Remedies Using Lemon Balm Extract:

Benefits and Uses of Lemon Balm Extract:

Lemon Balm extract has many uses, including the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. This extract can elevate mood and can increase alertness or cognitive function, and generate a feeling of calm.

It is often combined with ingredients like chamomile, hops, and valerian in formulas that promote sleep and reduce anxiety.

Lemon balm is used to treat indigestion and may decrease agitation in those with Alzheimer’s.

Traditionally the herb has been used as an antispasmodic, for its soothing qualities, and its anti-viral effects. Recent evidence indicates that Lemon Balm might be helpful in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease.

As a topical ointment, lemon balm extract is reported to be beneficial in treating the redness and swelling of cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Lemon balm extract is available in essential oils and tinctures for topical use. It is also available in capsules and tinctures for oral use.

Lemon balm extract contains terpenes, an ingredient known to promote relaxing and antiviral effects. It also includes tannins, which is a known antiviral, and eugenol a substance believed to kill bacteria and calm muscle spasms.

A University of Maryland medical study reported that, “In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 18 healthy volunteers received two separate single doses of a standardized lemon balm extract (300 mg and 600 mg) or placebo for 7 days. The 600 mg dose of lemon balm increased mood and significantly increased calmness and alertness."

Side Effects of Lemon Balm Extract:

If using lemon balm in a compound to induce sleep or calm, individuals should avoid like operating a motor vehicle or anything that requires mental alertness.