Its very nearly May. Waking up this morning, despite the clouds, there was a soft warmth in the air, the birds were singing, and both herbs and vegetables are popping up in all of my garden beds. This is also a time that the air is fragrant with the scent of lemon balm as the plant's volatile oils begin to warm up with the morning sunshine.

Lemon balm holds a long history in herbal tradition. It is a beautiful springtime plant that stretches its blooms into summer. It has been extremely popular in both kitchen and medicinal gardens since the early middle ages (and earlier). Lemon balm holds great importance in European domestic medicine as a drinkable spirit or basic nervous system sedative.

The genus Melissa is widely diffused, having representatives in Europe, middle Asia, and North America. The name is from the Greek word signifying ‘Bee’, indicative of the attraction the flowers have for those insects, on account of the honey they produce. The word Balm is an abbreviation of Balsam, the chief of sweet-smelling oils. It is called this due to its honeyed sweetness. It was highly esteemed in ancient times by Paracelsus, who believed it would completely cure any ailment.

I hope you enjoy this bit of information about this very common but exceptionally powerful herbal ally. In the following you will find gathered information about its common uses, its actions, constituents, pharmacy, historical and traditional usage, contraindications and warnings, clinical studies, and its usage in both aromatherapy and as a hydrosol.
​
As with any form of herbal medicine, the below information is not meant to replace medical advice or prescriptions from your Medical Doctor. All information below is based off of Materia Medica texts and comes from published and historical sources. References have been included at the end of the article.

​Family: Labiatae
Parts Used:  Leaves and Flowers/ All aerial parts
Other Common Names:  Balm, Balm Mint, Bee Balm, Blue Balm, Garden Balm, Sweet Balm, Cure-all, Dropsy Plant

Actions:
Anxiolytic (no formal studies done)         
Antihistamine                                                   
Carminative       
Cooling                                                                
Anti-viral (topical)                                           
Antimicrobial
Sedative                                                             
Anti-stress                                                        
Hepatic
Calming                                                                               
Anti-flatulent                                                    
Trophorestorative
Diaphoretic                                                        
Febrifuge                                                           
Mild vasodilator
Antispasmodic                                                 
Nerve relaxant
Anti-depressant                                               
Heart-sedating effect
Anti-bacterial (myco-bacterium phlei and streptococcus haemolytica)

Chemical Constituents:

• Flavonoids
  • Luteolin-7-glucoside
  • Rhamnazin
• Triterpenes
  • Ursolic acid
  • Pomolic acid
• Volatile oils
  The volatile oils appear to act on the interface between the digestive tract and the nervous system.
  • Citronella
  • Neral
  • Geranial
  • Caryophyllene oxide
• Polyphenols
  • Protocatechuic acid
  • Caffeic acid
  • Rosmarinic acid
  • Tannins

Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat:

• Nervous headache
• Dizziness/Vertigo
• Migraine (combined with Nutmeg)

Integumentary System (Skin):

• Burns
• Blisters
• Herpes (specific and directly on the sore – Herpes simplex)
• Stings

Nervous System/Mental Health:

• Nervousness
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Debility and weakness of nervous origin
• Chronic stress (specifically in men)
• Shock
• Feeling of “low spirits”
• Restlessness and restless legs
• Protects the cerebrum of the brain and is effective in treatment of autonomic disorders – an action like modern tranquilizers (Usually combined with peppermint for this action).
• Historical Commentary: “Balm is sovereign to the brain. It strengthens the memory and powerfully chases away melancholy.”
• Neuralgic pain (combined with Nutmeg) – See Carmelite water commentary in historical pharmacy.
• Tenseness
• Irritability
• Nervous breakdown

​Respiratory System:

• Respiratory spasm
• Convulsive coughing
• Asthma

Digestive System:

• Dyspepsia
• General upset stomach
• Flatulence
• Nervous indigestion (best served as hot/warm tea after eating)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps

Endocrine System (Hormones):

• Hyperadrenalism
• Hyperthyroidism

 
Cardiovascular System:

• Heart Palpitations
• Palpitations associated with anxiety
• Atrial fibrillation
• High blood pressure
• Aneurysm
• Rapid or superficial pulse
  
  

Immune/Lymphatic System:

• Recent colds and fevers
• Fever (It induces a mild perspiration and makes a pleasant and cooling tea for feverish patients in cases of catarrh and influenza. To make the tea, pour 1 pint (470ml) of boiling water upon 1 oz (25g) of herb, infuse 15 minutes, allow to cool, then strain and drink freely.)

Reproductive System:

• Promotion of conception in women (traditional)
• Deficient and painful menstruation
• Leucorrhea
• Hot flashes from Menopause (best combined with peach leaves)
• Excessive sexual excitement (traditional)
• Impotence (traditional)

​Specific Diseases/States/Infections/Viruses/Bacteria:

• Suited to conditions of sympathetic excess
• Fevers with nervousness
• Fevers of young children
• Nervous depression following exhaustive fevers
• Convalescence when the digestion has long been irritated
• Mumps
• Shingles
• Reaction to vaccine/Inoculation (mild reactionary state)
• Historical Commentary: The London Dispensary of 1696 writes: “An essence of Balm, given in Canary wine, every morning will renew youth, strengthen the brain, relieve languishing nature and prevent baldness.”
• Historical Commentary: “Balm steeped in wine comforts the heart and driveth away melancholy and sadness”
• Historical Commentary: “The juice of Balm glueth together greene wounds” – likely meaning fresh or recent cuts or general wounds.
• Historical Commentary: “Balm, being applied, doth close up wounds without any perill of inflammation”
• Traditional: The leaves steeped in wine, and the wine drunk, and the leaves applied externally were considered to be a certain cure for the bites of venomous beasts and the stings of scorpions. It is now recognized as a scientific fact that the balsamic oils of aromatic plants make excellent surgical dressings.

​Combinations:

• Combined with peach leaves for menopausal hot flashes
• Sometimes combined with Lycopus in hyperthyroidism or is specific by itself
• Traditional combination: Combined with peppermint (equal parts – generally 1 to 2 tsp of each) as a tea, infuse 15 minutes, drink one cup at bedtime for restful sleep or to improve digestion.
• Combined with a pinch of Nutmeg it has a reputation for nervous headache, migraine, and neuralgia. Popular in all European pharmacopoeias.
• Combined with salt for easing the pain of gout (historical/traditional)
• Combined with Hops, Valerian, and Motherwort for sleep disturbances
• In combination with chamomile, vervain, licorice, and fennel for infantile cholic

Max Daily Dose: 1:2 @45%  Liquid Extract - 3 to 6ml
Max Weekly Dose: 1:2 @45%  Liquid Extract – 20 to 40ml
​
Applications:
Infusion:        

• 1 to 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water, infuse 5 minutes, drink 1 cup freely as needed.
• Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried herb or 4 to 6g of fresh herb and infuse in a covered container for 10 to 15 minutes. A cup of this tea should be taken morning and evening or when needed

Tincture:
Best as a fresh tincture made in the spring when the plant is still tender and before it blooms.

• 1:5 @ 45% 2 to 6ml tid     
• 1:5 @ 40%  2 to 6ml tid

Liquid/Fluid Extract:

• 1:1 @ 45% 2 to 4ml tid

Powder:

• X2 210mg capsules three times daily

Bath:

• 8oz (230g) herb to 10 pints (7 litres) boiling water. Infuse for 15 minutes. Strain and add to bath water for sleeplessness or nervous heart.

Aromatherapy:

• 10 to 20 drops in ¼ cup powdered milk, added to bath water for sleeplessness or nervous heart, or to create a sensation of calm and light heartedness.

Hydrosol:

• Melissa is calming to the body more than the mind but without being overly sedating. Use it for stress, anxiety, and childhood hysterics. Combine with rosemary while studying and with neroli to drink during exams. Has shown some positive results for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For children with ADHA, use 30ml of hydrosol in one liter of water, consume throughout the day. For adults, double the quantity of hydrosol: 60ml to one liter of water.
• During pregnancy lemon balm hydrosol can be used to treat morning sickness, digestive upsets, and water retention and as a system tonic for general well-being. You can also add a small percentage of cinnamon bark and peppermint hydrosols for morning sickness to great effect.
• Melissa hydrosol is gentle enough for use on babies; try adding a teaspoon to a nighttime bath or blend with German chamomile or yarrow for cradle cap and diaper rash.
• Taken internally, Melissa hydrosol makes a good preventative during flu and allergy season and as both immune-stimulating and some infection fighting properties.
• Melissa hydrosol is a gentle cholagogue and has been used in digestive drinks for centuries; the hydrosol aids digestion and reduces the intestinal spasms and cramps associated with colitis and Crohn’s disease. In some people it has shown a laxative effect, so test in small doses first.
• Melissa hydrosol is a good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and can be used on its own or in blends as a skin clarifier and to calm rashes, irritations, and eczema.
• Melissa hydrosol can be added to lotions and creams for antiaging and after-sun body care.
• Do not use Melissa hydrosol internally if you have low blood pressure or are on blood pressure lowering medications (theoretical).
  
  

Misc:

• Historical Pharmacy: Formerly a spirit of Balm combined with lemon-peel, nutmeg, and angelica root, enjoyed a great reputation under the name of Carmelite water, being deemed highly useful against nervous headache and neuralgic affections.
• Historical Recipe for Fever: “Put two sprigs of Balm and a little wood sorrel into a stone jug, having first washed and dried them; peel thin a small lemon, and clear from the white, slice it and put a bit of peel in, then pour in 3 pints of boiling water, sweeten, and cover it close.”
• Historical Recipe – Claret Cup: “One bottle of claret, one pint bottle of German seltzer water, a small bunch of balm, same with borage, one orange cut in slices, half a cucumber sliced thick, a liqueur glass of Cognac and one ounce of bruised sugar-candy. Place these ingredients in a covered jug, well immersed in rough ice, stir all together with a silver spoon, and when the cup has been iced for about an hour, strain or decanter it off free from the herbs”​

Common Names:
Couch Grass, Quack Grass, Cooch Grass, Twitch, Dog Grass, Quick Grass, Durfa Grass, Scotch Quelch, Triticum, Quecke (German), Chiendent (French), Grama (Spanish), Caprinella (Italian).

Family: Graminaceae
​
Parts Used: Rhizome (Dried), seeds

• Only the long, slender, jointed, creeping rhizome, devoid of rootlets is collected.
• Store in an airtight container because it readily absorbs moisture.
• Should be unearthed in spring or early autumn. Wash it carefully and dry in sun or shade

​Actions:
Anti-bacterial, Anti-microbial, Diuretic, Demulcent, Tonic Diuretic, Aperient,              Catarrhal (General), Anti-Inflammatory, Laxative, Urinary Antiseptic, Nutritive    Emollient, Anti-Cholesterol, Remedy for dryness and atrophy, Antibiotic, Uricosuric  

Chemical Constituents:

• Polysaccharides
  • Triticin
• Mucilage
• Saponins
• Soluble silicic acid
• Potassium
• Inositol
• Mannitol
• Glycoside
• Vitamin C
• Carotene
• Inulin
• Flavonoids

Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat:

• Restore poor eye sight (Folk Medicine, as a tea)
• For individuals always blowing the nose
• Chronic catarrh
• Sore throat and tonsillitis when combined with Sage and Pennyroyal
• Laryngitis
• Bronchitis

Integumentary System (Skin):

• Chronic skin disorders
• Eczema, chronic wet or dry
• Ulcers, cuts, and wounds

Nervous System:

• Strengthening to the nervous system

 
Respiratory System:

• Tubercular lungs (Folk Medicine, as a tea)
• Bronchitis

 
Digestive System:

• Jaundice (Folk Medicine, as a tea)
• Stomach stimulant
• General liver health
• Vomiting
• Worms in children, kills and expels (combined with wormwood)
• Topically for peptic ulcers (hot/moist pack of heated seeds)

 
Excretory System:

• Relieves constipation (Aperient)

Urinary/Renal System:

• Urinary infections
• Cystitis
• Urethritis
• Its demulcent properties soothe irritation and inflammation
• Kidney stones – supposedly  possesses remarkable stone-dissolving properties
• Kidney gravel
• “Lessening the frequency and pain in cases of excessive irritation of the bladder from any cause” – Dr. Thompsom
• Incipient nephritis
• Uncontrollable urination (Folk Medicine, as a tea)
• General kidney and bladder health
• Uric acid solvent
• Renal colic
• Catarrhal diseases of the bladder
• Irritation of the urinary passages
• Remedy for heat and irritation of the kidneys and bladder from ancient times down to the present
• Strengthening to urinary sphincters
• By increasing water passing through the renal tract it decreases heat and irritation
• Dilates the renal capillaries, thus allowing more water through and decongesting the kidneys
• Renal sedative
• Does not cause the kidneys to work harder (filter more blood), but opens up the tubules
• Soothes the injured membrane of the urinary tract
• Pain and straining of urination
• Passage of scanty, bloody urine
• Lack of free secretion from the kidneys
• Incontinence, dribbling
• Kidney disease with drain on the nervous system and enfeeblement
• Albuminuria, glomerulonephritis; frequent and scanty urination, burning and scaling in the urinary tract, heavy dull aching pains in the regions of the kidneys
• Nephritis

Endocrine System (Hormones):

• Stimulates the metabolism and harmonizes its process.

 
Cardiovascular System:

• Chest Pain (Folk Medicine, as a tea)
• Formerly the decoction of couch-grass roots was a popular drink taken to purify the blood in spring.

 
Circulatory System:

• Blood purifier
• Reduction of cholesterol
• Ability to assist in controlling high blood sugar

Immune/Lymphatic System:

• Fever (Folk Medicine, as a tea)
• Fevers when the urine is dark and scanty and there is thirst
• General spleen health
• Chronic, swollen lymph

 
Reproductive System:

• Used primarily in the treatment of prostate diseases
• Benign tumors of the prostate gland
• Prostitis/Inflammation of the prostate
• Syphilis (Folk Medicine, as a tea)
• Female corrective agent (Folk Medicine, as a tea)

Musculoskeletal System:

• Couchgrass has been used with other herbs in the treatment of rheumatism (Folk Medicine, as a tea) 
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Lumbago (Pain in the muscles and joints of the lower back, Folk Medicine, as a tea)
• “It will relieve the constant ache in the back, which is due to precipitation of the crystalline secreted products within the tubules of the kidneys by furnishing abundant water for their solution. It flushes the kidneys, as it were, when renal sand has accumulated within the pelvis. Under these circumstances it is one of our most useful remedies” - Ellingwood

​

Combinations:

• For cystitis, urethritis, and prostatitis it may be used with Buchu, Bearberry, or Yarrow
• For prostate problems it can be combined with Hydrangea
• For chronic gonorrhea it can be combined with Motherwort, Sandalwood, and Buchu
• For non-operative enlarged prostate it can be combined with Fringe Tree and Saw Palmetto
• For rheumatism complicated with prostatic involvement it can be combined with Motherword, Scurvy grass (Caclearia officinalis) and Black Cohosh.
• For Kidney and Bladder can be combined with Buchu, Wild Carrot, Bearsfoot,  and Alfalfa

Misc:

• Oral administration of couch grass infusion demonstrated the following results in a calcium oxalate urolithiasis model: a decrease in citraturia when combined with a high carbohydrate diet and an increase in calciuria and decrease in magnesiuria when combined with a standard diet – Grases F et al: J Ethnoparmacol 45(3):211-214, 1995

 

• In Germany, the Commission E supports using couch grass with copious fluid intake to treat inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract and for preventing kidney gravel – Blumenthal M et al, editors: The complete German Commission E monographs: therapeutic guide to herbal medicines, Austin, 1998, American Botanical Council.

Max Doses:
Max Daily Dose: 3 to 6ml of 1:1 LE (1:1 @ 25%)
Max Weekly Dose:  1:1 @ 25% 20 to 40ml

Application:
Infusion

• 1oz of couch grass to 1 pint of boiling water, steep 20 min. and given in wine glassful doses every 2 hr.
  

Decoction:

• 1 teaspoon of the crushed herb to 1 cup boiling water, bid to tid.
• Put 2 teaspoons of the cut rhizome in a cup of water, bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 mintes. Drink tid.
• 1oz of the herb in 1 point boiling water, until reduced to ¾ pint. 10 to 20 drops in eater 2 or more times a day.
• 2 to 3 teaspoons to each cup water, gently summer 5 minutes drink d. to bid.
• 2 to 4oz in a quart of water and reducing down to a pint by boiling.
• 2 to 3 tsp per cup, simmer 5 min, drink 1 to 2 cups tid.
• 2 tsp per cup, simmer 10 min, drink 1 cup tid.

Tincture:

• 3 to 6ml tid
• 1:5 @ 40% 5 to 15ml (1 to 3 teaspoons)
• 1:5 @ 40% 2 to 4ml tid
• 1:5 @ 25% 5 to 10ml tid
• Tincture of couch grass alone, 10 to 20 drops in water two or more times a day

Liquid/Fluid Extract:

• 1:1 @ 25% 4 to 8ml
• 1:1 @ 25% 2 to 6ml d.
• Of the liquid extract ½ to 2 teaspoons in water.

Powder:

• 1 teaspoon to a glass of tepid water, stirred, and drunk always before meals.
• 250mg in capsules; 3 capsules tid.

Dried Rhizome:

• 4 to 8g tid   

Family:  Rosaceae
​
Common Names: Lady’s Mantle, Lion’s Foot, Bear’s Foot, Nine Hooks, Leontopodium, Stellaria

Parts Used: Aerial parts (Dried; harvested May-Aug). Leaves, flowering shoots. Also, roots (topical use).

Actions:
Tonic, Astringent (especially the uterus), Anti-inflammatory, Anti-pyretic, Alterative, Anti-hemorrhagic, Hemostatic, Bitter, Digestive Tonic, Menstrual Regulator, Emmenagogue, Diuretic, Vulnerary, Phyto-estrogenic (meaning plant based estrogen - this statement is inconclusive), Progesteronic ( meaning contains or helps the body to balance progesterone levels - this statement is inconclusive), Sedative, Angioprotective (protective of the heart or cardiovascular system), Drying and Binding (wound herb).

Chemical Constituents:
Tannins:

• Consisting mainly of ellagitannins, including agrimoniin and laevigatiin               

Phytosterols                     
Salicylic acid (traces)                      
Flavonoids:

• Glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol

​Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat:

• As a mouth rinse after teeth extractions (gentle rinse, do not swish after tooth extractions).
• Mouth sores (rinse)
• Mouth ulcers (rinse)
• Laryngitis (gargle)
• Conjunctivitis (eye wash) – with caution and as a cooled infusion
• Headache from congested blood which becomes worse before periods
  ​

​Integumentary System (Skin):

• Bleeding or weeping eczema (topical)
• Sores (topical)
• Wounds (topical)
• Cuts (topical)
• Passive bleeding (topical – root or leaf)
• Bruises (topical)
• Pruritis (severe itching of the skin - topical)

 
Mental Health:

• For sound and untroubled sleep – traditional European remedy
• Nervousness
• Agitation
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
  
  

Nervous System:

• For convulsions in children.

 
Digestive System:

• For acute diarrhea (including infants).
• Loss of appetite
• Peptic Ulcers
• Gastric/Duodenal Ulcers
• Gastroenteritis
• Dysentery
• Internal bleedings
• Colitis with bleeding
• Vomiting
• General inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract
• Hemorrhoids/prolapsed anus/anal fissures (enema – with caution and with combination of other herbs)
• Nausea
• Indigestion
  
  

Urinary/Renal System:

• General inflammation of the urinary tract

 
Cardiovascular System:

• Strengthening of the heart muscle (inconclusive)
  
  

Reproductive System:

• Hormonal balancer
• Irregular menses (stimulates proper timing and flow)
• Metrorrhagia (abnormal bleeding from the uterus)
• Menorrhagia (periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding)
• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
• Menstrual Cramps – helps reduce pains associated with menstrual periods and ameliorates excessive bleeding.
• Fibroids (abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus)
• Endometriosis (a painful disorder in which tissues that normally line the uterus grows outside the uterus)
• Menopause (helps to ease associated symptoms)
• Leucorrhea (douche)
• Vaginal discharge (douche)
• Candida/Yeast(topical wash or douche)
• Inflammations (topical wash or douche)
• Vulva/external vaginal itchiness (cream)
• Increased Fertility (Traditional middle eastern)
• Breast firming (Culpepper and Swiss traditional herbal)
• Uterine astringent – possibly helpful in prolapsed uterus
• Toning the pelvic floor
• Vaginitis
  ​

Musculoskeletal System:

• Rheumatism

​
​Specific Diseases/States/Infections/Viruses/Bacteria:

• Alchemilla has long been used to drive water from tissues that are damp and weak. It is said to strengthen fibers and bring them back together into a more healthy and toned state.
• In its traditional use of pulling tissues together, it has been used in repairing torn eardrums, hernia, muscles, and so forth.

​Safety Concerns and Contraindications:
Not to be used in pregnancy, has been used to aid labor.

• No adverse effects expected
• No drug interactions reported

​

The below information is meant as educational and informative only, do not self dose, please see an appropriate practitioner to discuss current issues and any medications you may be taking.

Combinations:

• With Trillium for menorrhagia.
• With Vitex for menstrual disorders.

​
​Applications:
Infusion:

• 1 to 2 tsp per cup; infuse 15 min - tid

Dried Herb:

• 2 to 4 g. tid           

Tincture:

• 1:1 @ 25% 2 to 4ml tid
• 1:5 (dried) @ 25% 5ml tid
• 1:2 (fresh) @ 40% 5ml tid
• 1:5 @ 25% 2 to 4ml tid

Poultice/Ointment:

• 15ml tincture (1:1 or 1:2 with alcohol reduction), 20ml rosewater, 50g base cream or ointment – for vaginal itchiness.

Powder:

• Powdered Root: 2 to 4 g.

Mouthwash/Gargle:

• Use as a strong infusion (tea) and rinse/gargle as needed.

Douche:

• 2oz to 2-pint hot water; infuse 30 minutes and allow to cool. Strain and use as directed by an appropriate practitioner.
• Use strong infusion, strained of herb, three times daily or as needed.

Vaginal Suppositories:

• 20gtt tincture (1:1 or 1:2 - with alcohol reduction) to 20g cocoa butter molded into suppositories. Ea. Suppository is generally 5g – enough for roughly 4 suppositories.

Skin Wash:

• Strong infusion (tea), 8 teaspoons to 1 cup boiling water, infuse 15 min and let cool.

​Misc:

• The infusion is best for GIT issues, and tincture for menstrual issues.

The above information is copyright to Petra Sovcov - Clinical Herbal Therapist - 2019
Reproduction or distribution of any of the above information in full or part is prohibited without written consent from the author.