Healing Allies: Lemon Balm
“Lemon balm causes the heart and mind
to become merry”
~Seraphio, 12th century herbalist
Another member of the mint family, Melissa Officinalis or Lemon balm, is uplifting and soothing to the nervous system. The plant has an affinity for the nervous system, cardiac, and thyroid gland. It is supportive for treating stress induced migraines, insomnia, heartburn, herpes simplex, anxiety or depression, and hyperthyroidism.
Lemon Balm acts as an antiviral, sedative, carminative, hypotensive, uplifting agent, and antispasmodic. It can be used in a variety of ways. I love placing a few leaves in my water when I need a pick me up. Its lemony scent is enriching. It combines well with St. John’s Wort to treat viral infections topically. A bath with Lemon Balm and Rosemary can be helpful for low mood and motivation.
Using Lemon Balm is helpful if your doctor has diagnosed you with Grave’s disease because it inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3. However, use it with caution if you have a diagnosis of hypothyroidism or are pregnant. It inhibits the synthesis of T3 hormone, which are essential to metabolic activities in adults and brain development of a fetus. These conditions can worsen at high doses of Lemon Balm.
You should always consult your physician before starting botanical medicine to meet your individual needs.
A Supportive Ally for Mental Health
Lemon Balm is an excellent ally for our mental health. The energetic properties of this plant are cold, dry, sour, and slightly bitter. In Chinese medicine, Lemon Balm influences the lung and liver meridians. The lung meridian correlates with grief and loss. The liver meridian often presents with anger or rage.
Remember, emotions are a part of life, but plant allies can help smooth our reactions to strong emotions by removing or abating nervous tension from the body. Without the physical reaction, you can observe your emotions and eventually heal any trauma or confusion around them.
