Traditional
Use
Lemon balm's history dates back at least 2,000 years. It has been used
to reduce fevers, induce sweating, calm the digestive tract, treat colds,
and relieve spasms related to cramps and headaches. In medieval Europe,
the tea was valued for disorders of the nervous system. It has long been
a popular folk remedy for insomnia. Lemon balm was official in the U.
S. Pharmacopoeia from 1840 to 1890.
Current Status
Lemon balm has been shown to be sedative, to relieve spasms, and inhibit
the growth of fungi and bacteria. The German government allows preparations
of lemon balm to be labeled for difficulty in falling asleep due to nervous
conditions and for spasms of the digestive tract.
Laboratory
experiments have shown activity against viruses including mumps and herpes
simplex. A lemon balm cream is sold in Germany for cold sores and conditions
related to herpes simplex. In a clinical study of 115 patients with herpes,
a cream containing 1 percent dried lemon balm extract was applied by the
patients as needed five times daily for up to fourteen days until healing
of herpes lesions was complete. In 96 percent of the patients, lesions
were healed by day eight of the treatment, in 87 percent by day six, and
in 60 percent by day four. Unassisted healing usually takes ten to fourteen
days. A subsequent randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study
compared the effect of the same cream with a placebo. Both physicians
and patients judged the lemon balm cream superior to the placebo; it was
found, however, that treatment must be started very early in the infection
as accelerated healing was most pronounced in the first two days.
Preparations
The dried leaf is available for use as tea. The fresh leaves have a much
stronger, more pleasant lemon flavor. Capsules and a cream containing
a I percent extract are sold in the American market.
Cautions
None noted.
Symptoms
Digestive gas
Herpes sores
Insomnia