Lemon Balm is used most often as a medicinal herbal tea. It is also used in herbal and medicinal body care products. Sometimes it is used with other herbs such as St. John's Wort to create a stronger healing salve. Lemon Balm can also be used in an extract or tincture form.
Lemon Balm has been used medicinally since the Middle Ages. It is has been used to relieve anxiety, stress and tension since that time and is still used today for those same illnesses. Lemon Balm helps heal naturally.
Studies have shown that lemon balm contains polyphenols, which give it fantastic antiviral actions. In particular, they help combat and heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Applied to the affected area, lemon balm helps heal cold sores in about 3-5 days. It also helps double the time between outbreaks.
Lemon balm is the go-to herbal ointment for herpes cold sores. It is usually found in either an oil or an ointment. The leaves of the plant are steeped in a carrier oil (such as almond, apricot, or olive) for 4-6 weeks. The oil absorbs the medicinal actions of the lemon balm. It is then strained and used as lemon balm oil or ointment.
Lemon balm is also helpful for chicken pox and shingles. These conditions are caused by the same virus as herpes. When used topically, lemon balm helps heal chicken pox sores and shingles much quicker than on their own.
Lemon balm as a tea is a carminative, and therefore can be used to help settle a nauseous stomach. It will help relieve digestive gas and also help with indigestion. (Do not take our oil or ointment internally.)
Lemon balm essential oil is very popular in aromatherapy and body care products. It has a calming, slightly lemony scent.
Caution: Lemon balm should be avoided by those on thyroid medication, as the herb is believed to inhibit the absorption of this medicine.