Traditional and Current Usage of Lemon Balm Comparison

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, and it is native to Europe and Mediterranean. The herb grows to a maximum height of 28-59 inches, and its leaves have a mild lemon scent that is similar to mint. In the summer the herb produces small white flowers that are full of nectar. However, lemon balm should not be confused with bee balm, although its white flowers do attract bees. It is the leaves of the herb that are used for treatment and also for flavoring. The herb is also used by beekeepers to attract and keep bees in the hive. The herb is grown as an ornamental plant and also for its oil which is used in perfumery. Lemon balm tea, essential oil, and extracts are used in both traditional and alternative medicine including aromatherapy. The herb has been cultivated since the 16th century, but medical research on the herb is still ongoing to establish its safety and effects.

Lemon balm was historically used to reduce stress and anxiety, improve appetite, promote sleep, and ease indigestion pain and discomfort (Carnat, Carnat, Fraisse, & Lamaison, 1998). It was also used to reduce colic in the past. Lemon balm whose Latin name is Melissa officinalis was also used to heal wounds, and for treating venomous insect bites and stings. Lemon balm is referred to as a calming herb due to the mild sedative it offers individuals. Lemon balm oil is popularly used in aromatherapy to relax the individual, but it is commonly used with citronella oil, lemon oil, or other oils.

There have been several studies that have indicated that lemon balm combined with herbs like hops, chamomile, and valerian does help to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. There have been few studies that have examined lemon balm by itself. In one of the studies carried out lemon balm was mixed with valerian and 81% of those who took the herbal mixture reported sleeping better than those who were given a placebo (Taavoni & Haghani, 2013). Therefore, it is not clear from this study if the results were caused by the combination or they were caused by valerian or lemon balm.

Lemon balm was also used to enhance memory and uplift spirits traditionally. There are many folklore stories that have indicated the various uses of lemon balm in the past, and they all point out the same effect. However, there are some that indicate that the herb was believed to support and promote heart health and healthy skin. There was a study carried out in 2003 on human subjects that indicated and confirmed that using dried lemon balm leaves only does produce a positive effect on memory and mood (Kennedy, Little, & Scholey, 2004).

The science-based contemporary use of lemon balm is similar to the traditional or historical usage of the herb. Lemon balm is currently used to calm people with anxiety and elevate their mood, just as it was used in the past. It has also been shown that lemon balm does improve the calmness and attention of healthy individuals. For patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, lemon balm does reduce agitation. Germany has licensed the use of lemon balm for gastrointestinal tract disorders. This augurs well with the historical usage for lemon balm, and this does support the herbs healing or easing effect. There have been clinical trials that have combined lemon balm with other herbs and have shown that the combination does sooth gastrointestinal complaints. The herb has been shown to reduce colic in infants as demonstrated by the research carried out in Germany on infants. The study used a combination of other herbs, and the crying times of the children was reduced when compared to those on a placebo. Therefore, it is safe to say that there is science-based contemporary proof of lemon balm effectiveness and it does confirm the historical and traditional usage of the herb. The similarity in its current usage and historical usage does confirm the effectiveness of the herb to reduce stress and anxiety, gastrointestinal disorders, and overall calming agent.

References

Carnat, A., Carnat, A., Fraisse, D., & Lamaison, J. (1998). The aromatic and polyphenolic composition of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L. subsp. officinalis) tea. Pharmaceutica Acta Helvetiae, 72(5), 301-305.

Kennedy, D., Little, W., & Scholey, A. (2004). Anxiolytic effects of a combination of Melissa officinalis and Valerlana officinalis during laboratory induced stress. Paper presented at the JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY.

Taavoni, S., & Haghani, H. (2013). Valerian/lemon balm use for sleep disorders during menopause. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 19(4), 193-196.