Lemon Balm
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:
- 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 - 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 - 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.