Lemon balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Brief Background:
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb with a lemon scent native to southern Europe. Historically lemon balm has been said to possess sedative/tranquilizing, anti-gas, fever-reducing, antibacterial, spasmolytic, hypotensive, memory-enhancing, menstrual-inducing, and thyroid-related effects and has been proposed by some to be an herbal cure-all. The plant has been used for centuries in various cultures internationally. Lemon balm has been used for its anticaner proerties in Cuban folk medicine and its tranquilizing properties in Portuguese folk medicine.
Lemon balm is a member of the Lamiaceae family. Other members of the Lamiaceae family include dittany, mint, sage, siderites, and sweet marjoram. In vitro data suggest that lemon balm may contain high concentrations of antioxidants.
Expert Opinion and Historic Precedent:
The essential oil placed on the temples has been used to relieve headaches or sleeplessness.
