Family:

Lamiaceae

 

Part Used:

Aerial parts

 

Energetics & Taste:

Warm, aromatic, lemony, slightly sour.

 

Habitat:

Native to southern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa.

 

Key Benefits:

Lemon balm is a delightful herb that strongly influences the nervous and digestive systems. As a gentle carminative, it is an effective digestive aid, especially for children, where nervousness is often the culprit. Its nervine and uplifting properties make lemon balm an excellent choice for addressing anxiety, depression, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, panic, heart palpitations, and as a general relaxing tonic.

Lemon balm also boasts antiviral properties. It is commonly used topically as an oil to treat and prevent cold sores. Additionally, it acts on the thyroid by interfering with thyroid-stimulating hormone at the thyroid cell membranes, inhibiting thyroid function, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with hyperthyroidism.

 

Contraindications:

Do not use in hypothyroidism and pregnancy.