Lemon Balm Hebarium

Latin Name: Melissa officinalis

Family: Lamiaceae

Descriptive Characteristics: Heinerman (1996) says this perennial is hairy. The stems can get to 3 feet in height. The opposite pairs of leaves are light green and the leaves are ovate, toothed. The flowers are white or yellow and smell like lemons but not as strong (p. 304). Chevallier (2016) says it grows to 5 feet. It has tiny white flowers and toothed leaves. He says the veins on the leaves are deep and looking at the picture on this page, the depth of the veins reminds me of spearmint but the veins are more straight than those of spearmint (p. 113).

            Part of the plant used: aerial parts (Hoffman, 2003, p. 567)

Texture:

Color:

Aroma:

Flavor:

Constituents: Hoffman (2003) says volatile oil (neral, geranial, caryophyllene oxide, terpenes), flavonoids (luteolin-7-glucoside, rhamnazin), polyphenolics (protocarechuic acid, caffeic acid, rosemarinic acid, tannins), triterpenic acids (ursolic acid, pomolic acid) (p. 567). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oil (citral, caryophyllene oxide, linalool, citronellal), flavonoids, triterpenes, polyphenols, and tannins (p. 113). Gladstar (2012) says citral, citronellal, tannins, bitters, polyphenols, Vitamin C, Calcium, magnesium, catechin, resins, and flavonoids (p. 157).

Therapeutic Actions: Hoffman says carminative, nervine, antispasmodic, antidepressant, diaphoretic, antimicrobial, and hepatic (p. 567). Chevallier (2016) says relaxant, antispasmodic, increases sweating, carminative, antiviral, and nerve tonic (p. 113).

Indications: Hoffman (2003) says dyspeptic flatulence, anxiety/depression induced dyspepsia, tension, stress, helps issues that result as a problem between the digestive tract and the nervous system. Neuralgia, palpitations caused by anxiety, insomnia, tension migraine, heart tonic, circulatory tonic, vasodilates peripheral blood vessels thus lowering blood pressure, flu. If making a tea, it has anti-viral properties. If a lotion is the extraction method, it can treat herpes (p. 567). Clark (2011) says anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, headaches, stress, restlessness, cold sores, bites, and fever (p. 43, 67, 72). Griffin (1997) says melancholy, wounds, venomous bites, toothaches, alleviate nervous ticks, prevent fainting, colds, facials, increases circulation, and asthma (p. 72, 107, 116, 164, 304, 324, 325). Chevallier (2016) says calms the nervous system, Herpes simplex virus, lifts the mood, encourages longevity, wounds, palpitations, toothache, anxiety, mild depression, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, racing heart, digestive problems caused by anxiety indigestion, acidity, nausea, bloating, colicky pains, cold sores, overactive thyroid, cuts, insect stings and fevers (p. 113). Gladstar (2012) says heart disease, heartache, depression, anxiety, longevity, nervous disorders, and viral and bacterial infections (p. 156).

Formulary:
     Petersen (2018)
     Calming evening blend (p. 158): 1 oz each: lemon balm, hops, chamomile, valerian. Use 1t herb blend to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10-15 minutes, covered. Strain. Use up to 4T, 3 /day and before bed.
     Calm Tea (p. 217): 2g passionflower, 1g skullcap, 1g lemon balm. Blend herbs and add to 350 ml of boiling hot water. Steep      covered 20-30 min. Strain. Use 3-4 /day.

     Griffin (1997)
     Berry Cobbler (p. 98)
     Cold and fever tonic (p. 147)
     Relaxation Tonic (p. 148)
     Mild Digestant Tonic (p. 152)
     Delayed menses (p. 157)
     Herbal Fortune Cookies (p. 235)
     Mother Nature’s Nightcap Tea (p. 296)
     Lemon Butter (p. 297)
     Herbal Facial Steam (p. 320)
     Herbal Toner (p. 322)
     Herbal Bath (p. 323)

     Heinerman (1996, p. 304)
     Menstral Cramp/PMS Tea: 1 ½ T leaves to 1 pint boiling water. Cover, remove from heat, steep 15 minutes. Strain.

     Gladstar (2012)
     Basil Tea for Headaches and Stress (p. 55)
     Calming Chamomile Tea (p. 119)
     Calming Herbal Bath for De-Stressing (p. 120)
     Heartache Tea (p. 146)
     Lavender-Lemon Balm Calming Aid (p. 153)
     Carmelite water (p. 159): digestive aid and tonic
     Cold Remedy (p. 159): includes stress-related digestive issues and is safe for children and elderly.
     Lemon Balm Glycerite (p. 160): relaxing and calming
     Lemon Balm Bath (p. 160): relaxing yet stimulating for the mood
     Pregnancy Tonic Tea (p. 179): nourishes the body
     Menopause Formula (p. 195)
     St. John’s Wort Lighten-up Tea (p. 202): lifts the mood
     Children’s Stress Calmer Glycerite (p. 206)
     Evening Repose (p. 207): calming
     Sunset in Emerald Valley (p. 207)
     Tension-free Formula (p. 210)

     Chevallier (2016)
     Anxiety, tension and Depression (p. 308)
     Cold sores, chicken pox, and shingles (p. 304)
     Flu with muscle aches and pains (p. 311)
     Nausea due to emotions (p. 306)
     Stomachache (p. 305)

Dosage:
     Hoffman (2003, p. 567)
     1:5 40% Tincture: 2-6 ml 3/day
     Infusion: 2-3 t (dried) to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10-15 min. If the herb is fresh, use 4-6g. Take in the morning and evening or as needed.

     Commission E
     Dried herb: 1.5-4.5g several / day as an infusion

     BHC:
     Infusion: 2-4g
     1:5 40% Tincture: 2-6 ml
     1:1 45% Liquid Extract: 2-4ml

     Chevallier (2016, p. 113)
     Essential oil: 5 drops to 1 teaspoon olive oil for shingles, massage into the area
     Infusion: drink ¾ cup 3/day for nervous headache
     Tincture: ½ t with water 3/day, for anxiety and mild depression
     Lotion: Make infusion, apply to cold sores
     Juice: apply to cuts and sores
     Ointment: Apply to insect stings

Safety: Hoffman (2003), says it may interfere with the function of thyroid hormones (p. 567). Chevallier (2016) says this herb inhibits thyroid function (p. 113). Because of the thyroid issue, if you have an overactive thyroid, this herb is great for you. If you have an underactive thyroid or at risk of having one, avoid this herb.

Lab, Notes And Media:
On 29 march 2019, I started 15g of herb in 40% alcohol. I used 75ml of menstruum. I added another 15ml because it was too thick for a 1:6 ratio. I strained my tincture on 12 April for a yield of 50ml.

Research:

References
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 113.
Clark, D. (2011). Herbal Healing for Children: A Parent's Guide to Treatments for Common Childhood Illnesses. Healthy Living Publications. p. 43, 67, 72.
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. p. 16-7, 55, 87, 119, 120, 146, 153, 156-60, 179, 181, 195, 202, 206-7, 210.
Griffin, J. (1997). Mother Nature’s Herbal: A Complete Guide for Experiencing the Beauty, Knowledge, & Synergy of Everything that Grows. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. p. 14, 72, 74, 98, 107, 116, 147-8, 152, 157, 164, 173, 235-6, 241, 259, 296, 271-3, 277, 279, 286, 295-7, 302-5, 313, 320, 322-5, 336.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. p. 304.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. p. 567.
Peterson, D. (2018). Herb 503: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica II. American College of Healthcare Sciences.

Appendix I: Constituents

Bitter Principles: See Bitters in the Therapeutic Actions list.

Caffeic Acid (Phenolic Acids, Polyphenolic Acid): it has antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective properties (Ganora, 2009, p. 108). It adds synergy for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects in herbs such as echinacea.

Caryophyllene Oxide (Volatile Oil):

Catechins (Tannin, Flavonols (flavan-3-ols), Flavonoids, Phenolic Compounds) is very common, especially in woody plants. Flavonols are strong antioxidants, mild astringents, and anticarcinogenic. They are soluble in hot water and are antioxidant, antiangiogenic, pro-apoptotic (against cancer specifically), antiatherosclerotic (prevents the build-up of bad cholesterol), antihypertensive, cardioprotective, antimicrobial, and may prevent metabolic syndrome (Hoffman, 2003, p. 108; Ganora, 2009, p. 66, 118, 123, 156).

Citral (Essential Oil) is the antiseptic property normally found in citrus oils. This constituent is the combination of two enantiomers which are gernanial and naral (Ganora, 2009, p. 136).

Citronellal (Volatile Oil): is antiseptic and a sedative and is used in soap, perfumes, and insect repellant (Hoffman, 2003, p. 65).

Flavonoids: All polyphenolic plant pigments of a specific structure. There are over 4,000 of them. These are broken down into categories: Catechins, dihydrochalones, chalones, flavanones (dihydroflavones), flavones, isoflavones, anthocyanides, aurones, flavanols, and flavonols. This general property is immunomodulatory due to antioxidant/free-radical scavenging ability (Hoffman, 2006, p. 100-102, 152, 167, 170, 174).

Geraniol (Volatile Oil, also spelled geranial): can cause skin color to change (Hoffman, 2003, p. 210, 640).

Linalool (Volatile oil) can be used as an antiseptic, sedative and is fungistatic. It can be found in perfumes (Hoffman, 2003, p. 64).

Luteolin-7-glucoside (Flavonoid):

Nerol (Volatile Oil, Also spelled Neral):

Polyphenolic Acids: The majority are water-soluble. This class is often used for urinary tracts and anti-inflammatory action. Phenols are ALL anti-microbial and were used as antiseptic in surgery. (Hoffman, 2003, p.90-119,167).

Pomolic Acid (Triterpenic Acid):

Protocarechuic Acid (Polyphenolic Acid):

Resins are not water-soluble and need either alcohol or oil to extract the constituents. The older the sample, the harder it is to extract.

Rhamnazin (Flavonoid):

Rosmarinic Acid (Phenolic Acids, Polyphenolic Acid) is a phenylpropanoid dimer which comes from the rosemary plant but is found in other plants as well. There are quite a few in the Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae families, including thyme. This is a powerful antioxidant, preservative, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and anti-allergic compound (Ganora, 2009, p. 65, 109). This is one of the compounds in my Lamiaceae family paper from last semester (2) that gave the plants the ability to help fight off colds. This is water-soluble.

Tannins (Polyphenolic Acid) can damper some of the harsher effects of some constituents but excessive use of them can cause certain cancers. In lab studies, they can inhibit fungi, yeast, bacteria and viruses. They do inhibit some other cancers and are antioxidants. There are different kinds of tannins so the risks vary. They are present in plants to protect them in various ways, depending on location (Hoffman, 2003, p. 114-117, 201).

Terpene (also called isoprenoids): These are secondary metabolites. They allow the plant to prosper in its environment. There are more than 20,000 of them (Hoffman, 2003, p. 62-89, 152, 199; Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 45, 46, 68, 79, 85, 93, 116, 133, 134, 139, 140, 147, 154).

Triterpenes are oil-soluble as well as high percentage alcohol soluble. These tend to make great essential oils and are used for steam therapies, like making a peppermint oil and using that to help with congestion through steam, as an example. Reading this section, this can get pretty complicated so I'll only add a bit more if requested. While most triterpenes are NOT water soluble, the glycoside triterpenoids are which is why it's important to know which is which (Ganora, 2009, p. 45, 46, 68, 134, 140, 141, 142, 144).

Triterpenic Acids:

Ursolic Acid (Triterpenoid saponin aglycones) is chemoprotective, anticarcinigenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepaprotective (Ganora, 2009, p. 46, 69, 141).

Volatile oil: Volatile just means they evaporate more quickly than other substances. If it says "volatile", you want to use the plant as fresh as possible and try not to warm it up in any way (Ganora, 2009, p. 52, 57, 61, 134, 139). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oils are what is extracted from the plant to make essential oils and are made of a lot of compounds, sometimes as much as 100 (p. 14).

Calcium
Magnesium
Vitamin C

Appendix II: Therapeutic Actions

Antidepressant just means it helps people deal with their depression.

Anti-microbial encompasses all microbes, not just viral or bacterial.

Antispasmodics help with muscle cramps and spasms (Griffin, 1997, p. 7). Coughing is also a result of this spasm activity so a lot of these herbs are used to relieve cough. Hoffman likes to remind people that just because the cough is relieved doesn't mean the cause of the cough is gone. We should strive to fix the cause, not just the symptom. Often, the cough should be allowed to happen because the body clearly doesn't want something in there.

Anti-viral means it works against viruses, often the flu.

Carminatives: relieve gas/intestinal stagnation, increase circulation (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)

Diaphoretics: Served as a warm tea, they promote sweating, Served cold, they act as diuretics. These focus on the respiratory system, including sinuses. There are 2 types: Stimulating drain the lymphatic system to target those swollen glands. Relaxing reduces fevers and skin toxins. They help with acute symptoms. (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)

Hepatics are good for the kidneys.

Nervines: These calm and nourish the nervous system, promote mental clarity, and relieve spasms, pain and congestion. There are 2 types: warming helps with chronic issues, insomnia being a good example. Cooling helps with anger, hypertension, and migraines (Griffin, 1997, p. 10).

Relaxant is the same as sedative, a property of nervines.

Lemon Balm Hebarium

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