Energetics:
Cool, Dry, Pungent, Sour

Common Names:
Lemon Balm, Balm, Balm Mint, Bee Balm, Blue Balm, Cure-all, Dropsy plant, Garden Balm, Hearts Delight, Honey plant, Melissa, Sweet Balm

Latin Name:
Melissa Oficinalis

Family Name:
Lamiaceae - Mint Family

Functions:
Antidepressant, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypotensive, nervine, sedative

TCM Functions:

1. Activates the Qi, releases constraint and relieves pain
   * Liver-Stomach Qi disharmony; digestive spasms, colic, nausea, indigestion
   * Lung Qi accumulation with wheeze
   * menstrual cramps, scanty menstruation
2. Calms the mind, anchors the Yang, clears heat and relieves anxious irritability
   * Heart Yin deficiency; insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, menopause hot flashes
   * Liver Yang rising from Yin deficiency; migraines, hypertension, over-active thyroid
3. Releases the exterior to dispel wind-heat
   * eczema, fevers, sore throat

Therapeutics:
Used for depression, dyspepsia, flatulence, fevers, headaches, cold sores, cramps, and nervous tension.

Notes:
Lemon Balm is a remedy that is incredibly restorative to both the nervous system and the health of the heart. The gentle nature of this plant makes it an ideal tonic for hyperactive children and menopausal woman with hormonal flux.

Tradition:
The great Paracelsus called this herb the elixir of life, and combined it with carbonate of potash in a mixture known as Primum Ens Melissae. It is recorded that one of Louis UV’s physicians, Lesebure, tried this out on an elderly chicken, which within a few days lost its tattered plumage, grew fresh feathers and started to lay eggs again. John Evelyn (1620-1706) wrote; “Balm is sovereign for the brain, strengthening the memory and powerfully chasing away melancholy.” ( Melissa is Greek for `honey bee’).

UpS Alternatives:
Use Lemon Balm as an analog for endangered species Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium spp.)

Contraindications:
Avoid in hypothyroidism.