Description: The whole herb is antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, blood purifier, carminative, cardiotonic, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, exhilarant, febrifuge, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, stomachic and uterine tonic properties. The Arabic herbalist Avicenna (980-1037) recommended it for heart problems. He said that lemon balm caused “the mind and heart to be merry.” Its main action is as a tranquilliser. It is a soothing and calming agent for stressed nerves. The herb is a common constituent of relaxants, nervine and sleeping aids throughout the world. It is primarily indicated where there is dyspepsia associated with anxiety or depression. It relieves tension and stress reactions, is widely valued for its calming properties and has a tonic effect on the heart and circulatory system causing mild vasodilation of peripheral vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. It may also be used in migraine associated with tension, neuralgia, anxiety-induced palpitation and insomnia. It can relieve premenstrual tension and menstrual cramping. Useful in liver diseases, halitosis and weakness of eyesight. It helps promote good digestion, relieve flatulence and colic. Also used as a spermatogenic tonic. Lemon balm is mentioned in the scientific journal Endocrinology where it is explained that Melissa officinalis exhibits antithyrotropic activity, inhibiting TSH from attaching to TSH receptors, hence making it of possible use in the treatment of Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism. Also useful in sinusitis. Experimental laboratory studies also suggest that Arabian balm has antioxidant and anti-HIV properties, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Contraindication: This herb is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. It can lower thyroid function, however, which is beneficial in some cases but not for those with a hypothyroid condition.