The name comes from the Greek word mélissa or mélitta meaning bee itself derived from meli meaning honey. Officinalis is New Latin and means ‘in use pharmaceutically’. In antiquity, Lemon Balm was cultivated as a food for bees.
What lemon balm means?
Lemon Balm Meaning & Symbolism
The lemon balm plant holds the symbolic meaning of virtue, sympathy and compassion. It also has meanings associated with healthy boundaries in relationships, friendship, healing and love. Ancient Greeks revered lemon balm as they thought it had a special relationship with bees.
Does Melissa mean lemon balm?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).
Who discovered lemon balm?
Romans introduced lemon balm (Melissa officinalis ) to Great Britain where it became a favorite cottage garden herb. The plant has been naturalized in North America. Lemon balm grows in bushy clumps to 2 ft (0.6 m) tall and branches to 18 in (45.7 cm).
Does lemon balm have another name?
Lemon balm is available under the following different brand and other names: balm, bee balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, honey plant, Melissa, Melissa folium, Melissa officinalis, sweet balm, and sweet Mary.
Is lemon balm psychoactive?
These psychoactive properties, along with lemon balm’s safety profile over a wide dose range, may provide a unique pharmacological alternative for specific psychiatric disorders.
Can you eat lemon balm leaves Raw?
How to Use Lemon Balm. As a general rule of thumb, treat lemon balm as you would any other fresh herb. It works especially well in place of mint, offering bright, fragrant notes. Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor.
Can you overdose on lemon balm?
When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.
Does lemon balm affect thyroid?
Thyroid disease: Don’t use lemon balm. There is a concern that lemon balm may change thyroid function, reduce thyroid hormone levels, and interfere with thyroid hormone-replacement therapy.
What happens if you smoke lemon balm?
In the research, they gave the mixture to two groups, and reports showed that participants noticed favorable effects on different aspects of their moods and lower anxiety levels. Likewise, herbal smoking blends containing lemon balm may be able to offer similar effects for those dealing with anxiety.
Does lemon balm repel mosquitoes?
Lemon Balm
The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.
Can I drink lemon balm tea everyday?
Lemon balm tea is generally safe for consumption when consumed in small to moderate quantities. As with many teas and herbal remedies, lemon balm tea may cause adverse reactions in certain individuals.
Does lemon balm help you sleep?
It can help ease insomnia and other sleep disorders
Combining lemon balm with valerian may help relieve restlessness and sleep disorders such as insomnia. Researchers in one 2006 study found that children who took a combined dose experienced a 70 to 80 percent improvement in symptoms.
Is lemon balm good for depression?
Current evidence suggests that lemon balm may be effective in improving anxiety and depressive symptoms, particularly in the acute setting.
Is lemon balm antifungal?
The results of this study suggest that lemon balm and sage EOs can be considered as natural antifungal agents that can be used to inactivate ochratoxigenic P. verrucosum with respect to food safety applications.
Does lemon balm lower blood pressure?
Lemon balm may lower your blood pressure and therefore should be used with caution if you are taking medications with similar properties. It can also lower your blood sugar levels and people with diabetes should use lemon balm with care.
Can lemon balm worsen anxiety?
Researchers for one pilot study believe the herb makes the neurotransmitter gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) more readily accessible in the brain. (GABA helps regulate your body’s stress response.) It should be noted, however, that too much lemon balm (exceeding 0.6 grams) can actually lead to feeling more anxious.
Can dogs have lemon balm?
Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.
Does lemon balm have caffeine?
CAFFEINE FREE: botanical name: Melissa officinalis, known as lemon balm or balm or balm mint leaves, are naturally caffeine free. Lemon balm is mint family herb that is known and popular for its lemon mint aroma.
Is lemon balm invasive?
If not carefully controlled, lemon balm can quickly become invasive in the garden. Often, people mistakenly think that lemon balm is invasive due to its roots, like its cousins peppermint and spearmint, but in fact it’s the seeds of the lemon balm plant that cause this herb to suddenly take over a garden.
Should lemon balm be pruned?
With variegated cultivars, cut back in early summer to encourage fresh, strongly coloured shoots. Lemon balm is a long-lived plant than can form a congested clump – so lift and divide every few years in autumn to rejuvenate plants.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.