Latin Name: Melissa officinalis

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive Tonic, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Hypotensive, Nervine, Rejuvenative, Sedative, Stomach Tonic, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Anxiety, Chickenpox, Colds, Colic, Dementia, Depression, Fever, Flu, Headache, Herpes, Homesickness, Hysteria, Insomnia, Mumps, Nausea, Nervousness, Nightmares, Shingles, Flatulence, Bronchial Catarrh ,Teething, Palpitations and Earaches.

Topical Uses: Boils, Eczema, Herpes, Insect Bites.

Topical Applications: Use as compress for swellings such as gout, a poultice for boils and a salve for insect bites. Used as a bath herb, massage oil, and perfume.

Energetics: Sour, Pungent, Cool

Organs: Lungs, Liver

Contraindications: Lemon Balm can lower thyroid function, which is good for some but not others. Use only under the direction of a qualified herbalist if you have a history of thyroid problems. Do not take during pregnancy.

Interaction: Avoid if taking sedative or thyroid medication.

Growth and Harvest: Moist soil in sun or partial shade. Plants are cut as flowering begins.