Benefits and Uses of Lemon Balm

As a mother, I am always looking for the safest herbs and essential oils to use for everyday ailments. Perilla is a wonderful herb that I always keep by my side, and it is a staple in my natural healing recipes. It has many benefits and uses, as you will learn below!

What is Lemon Balm?

This lemon herb is a member of the mint family. Perilla (Melissa officinalis) is native to Europe and has been used in herbal medicine for over 1,000 years. It has been traditionally used to:

The leaves look similar to mint but have a lemon smell to the touch. The plant produces pale yellow flowers in spring and summer. The leaves and flowers are both edible and used in cooking and medicine. Humans love this herb and have used it in perfumes and aromatherapy for generations, but it’s also very appealing to bees.

Health Benefits of Lemon Balm

This herb has many health benefits, so it is good to use in herbal remedies. Here’s why it’s great:

Antimicrobial

According to a 2017 review, lemon basil has antibacterial properties. Reviews show that the combination of perilla and mint is helpful for herpes infections and does not cause resistance, making it an excellent antiviral herb. This herbal combination has shortened the healing time of sores caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and helped reduce its spread. Reviews also show that this amazing herb has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant

The above review also suggests that basil can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It has an antioxidant effect that helps reduce inflammation (helps with pain relief). Antioxidants also help cure many diseases related to oxidation. This herb scavenges natural and synthetic free radicals, making it beneficial for its antioxidant properties. It also directly blocks pain signals, similar to how narcotic pain relievers block pain.

Relieve menstrual symptoms

Perilla is also a helpful herb for premenstrual symptoms (PMS), according to a 2015 study of female high school students. This study concluded that the group that took it had a significant reduction in symptoms, such as cramps and mood swings. There are no mentioned side effects, so you should probably try this herb if PMS is a concern for you.

Help for thyroid disease

Perilla may also be helpful for thyroid problems. A 1985 study found it may be beneficial for people with Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism). This is because this herb inhibits TSH (a thyroid hormone stimulator) from binding to the receptors.

A 2014 review of perilla’s effects on the body supported this finding. It found that lemon balm decreased circulating TSH levels but increased circulating T3 and T4 levels. So, in theory, this means that this herb is also beneficial for people with hypothyroidism.

More research is needed to know for sure how it might affect people with thyroid disease. So always consult your doctor before taking lemon if you have thyroid problems.

Sedative

Like chamomile, perilla is a calming herb. It can help create a calming effect, relieve stress, and calm the nervous system.

Studies also support this traditional use. Participants in a 2004 study felt calmer after taking perilla.

Another study published in 2014 showed similar results. Participants who ate this herb with food experienced less stress and less anxiety, suggesting that it has anxiolytic properties.

Perilla also helps to sleep well. A 2006 study that combined valerian root and lemon balm helped children sleep better. Nearly 81 percent of participants noticed a reduction in sleep disturbances and about 70 percent improved restlessness.

Reduce discomfort

Herbalists have used basil for generations to help with indigestion or flatulence, similar to mint. Although there isn’t much scientific data to support this use, a 2010 study found some evidence to support this use. In one study, a lemon dessert was better at soothing indigestion (indigestion) than a dessert substitute (although both are helpful).

Can enhance cognitive function

The 2014 study mentioned above also found that participants who ate lemon basil had better results on cognitive tests such as concentration, memory, and math. This performance increase may be related to how the components of lemon balm affect the body. A 2009 study found that this herb boosts GABA, provides a calming effect, and supports cognitive function.

According to a 2008 study, rosmarinic acid (found in perilla) inhibits the degradation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Low acetylcholine levels can cause cognitive problems like Alzheimer’s disease. So a cup of tea made with this herb could be the answer to staying in shape as we age!

Uses of Lemon Balm

The benefits of perilla make it a must-have medicinal plant. I always keep dried herbs in my natural medicine cabinet just in case. I also like to have essential oils at home so that times when it works better. Here are some ways I use it:

• In tea – cures hand, foot and mouth disease, or helps with sleep (mixed with lavender and chamomile). To make a tea with perilla (or a mixture of herbs), steep 1-2 tablespoons of dried leaves in hot water. Or if you want to buy one this is a great, clean alternative to perilla tea, and this is one of my favorites for sleep.
• In tinctures – to combat stress or help induce sleep. I make tinctures with dried herbs and alcohol. I fill the dropper at night when I’m trying to settle down. You can also buy lemon balm extracts or tinctures online or at herbal stores.
• Infused in Olive Oil – Lemongrass Infused Oil can be used in lotions and creams or as a massage oil for its soothing properties.
• Relaxing Bath – Add essential oils to your bath water for relaxation (be sure to dilute in a carrier oil first). This works well for kids as well as adults.
• To aid sleep – soak honey with dried herbs. I drink 1 teaspoon before bed or whenever I need to calm down (kids love this too!).
• In a favorite dish – add to salads, fish and vegetable dishes.
• Mix water with perilla for a refreshing drink. Herbal broth is a great dish on a hot day. I like it simple, but you can add a spoonful of honey if you want.
• In salt water or lip balm – great for herpes. You can also use it to add a fresh scent to your lip balm. Use perilla essential oil or heirloom oil.

There are many ways to use this amazing herb, but this is my favorite!

Side effects and safety of Lemon Balm

Perilla is generally considered safe for healthy people. Because it is a gentle herb, it is often used by herbalists for children (for essential oil use 2 years of age and older) and women who are pregnant or nursing. However, the 2017 review above states that it should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, children, patients with hypothyroid problems, and those taking sedatives.

I agree that using perilla while on sedatives or when you have thyroid problems may not be a good idea. But recommending that children and pregnant/breastfeeding women avoid it may be overkill as most herbalists agree that it’s safe for most people. I personally use perilla during pregnancy and while breastfeeding as well as with my baby. Of course, always ask your doctor if perilla is safe for you or your baby.

Where to find Lemon Balm

Perilla is easy to find in dried form online or in natural food and supply stores. This is my favorite perilla essential oil. Note that it’s not actually called perilla essential oil but Melissa, after its genus name.

You can also develop your own. This is a great seed company I have found that offers organic and heirloom seeds. No green thumbs? That’s OK! Perilla soil is very hard and grows wild, so few people notice. As I mentioned earlier, it is a great plant to attract bees and introduce into your pollinator garden, or you can grow it in a pot as part of your container garden.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you speak with your doctor.

Do you use perilla for your natural remedies? What is your favorite way to use lemon basil? Don’t forget to share this article with a friend!

Source:

1. Miraj, S., Rafieian-Kopaei and Kiani, S. (2016). Melissa officinalis L: A review study with an antioxidant outlook. The Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(3), 385–394.
2. Akbarzadeh, M., Dehghani, M., Moshfeghy, Z., Emamghoreishi, M., Tavakoli, P., & Zare, N. (2015). Effect of Melissa officinalis capsules on the intensity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms in female high school students. Nursing and Midwifery Studies, 4(2).
3. Auf’Mkolk, M., Ingbar, JC, Kubota, K., Amir, SM, & Ingbar, SH (1985). Extracts and autooxidative components of several plants inhibit the receptor binding and bioactivity of Graves immunoglobulins*. Department of Endocrinology, 116(5), 1687–1693.
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6. Scholey, A., Gibbs, A., Neale, C., Perry, N., Ossoukhova, A., Bilog, V.,… Buchwald-Werner, S. (2014). Anti-stress effects of foods containing lemon. Nutrients, 6(11), 4805–4821.
7. Müller, S., & Klement, S. (2006). The combination of valerian and perilla is effective in treating restlessness and insomnia in children. Phytomedicine, 13(6), 383–387.
8. Gasbarrini, G., Zaccone, V., Covino, M., & Gallo, A. (2010). Efficacy of a “cold dessert”, with or without the addition of a blend of digestive-promoting herbs, in subjects with “functional gastrointestinal disorders”. Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents, 24 (1)93-98.
9. Awad, R., Muhammad, A., Durst, T., Trudeau, VL, & Arnason, JT (2009). Biologically guided fractionation of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) using an in vitro measure of GABA transaminase activity. Phytotherapy Research, 23(8), 1075–1081.
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