Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): A Calming Herb for the Body, Mind and Spirit

If you're looking for a gentle yet powerful herb to calm the nerves, ease digestion and support restful sleep—lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) might just be your new favourite plant ally. Used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine, this fragrant member of the mint family is a staple in modern natural remedies.

But beyond its soothing benefits, lemon balm is also a star ingredient in my signature herbal tea blend, Deep Sleep—crafted to support deep, restorative rest.

Curious to learn how to blend herbs safely and confidently yourself? Keep reading to discover why lemon balm is such a treasured herb—and how you can master the art of herbal medicine in my Herbal Foundations Course: Learn, Blend & Heal with Confidence! Master the Art of Herbal Medicine and Become Your Own Herbalist! 

What Is Lemon Balm and What Is It Good For?

Lemon balm is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean but now grown across the world. With its lemony aroma and cooling energy, it’s known for both its calming and uplifting properties.

Top Health Benefits of Lemon Balm

1. Natural Stress & Anxiety Relief

Lemon balm has mild sedative properties that help calm the nervous system. It's ideal during times of emotional overwhelm, restlessness, or nervous tension. Whether you’re dealing with daily stress or situational anxiety, a cup of lemon balm tea can be a comforting ritual.

2. Supports Sleep Without Grogginess

Many people use lemon balm to improve sleep quality. It helps quiet racing thoughts and relax the body naturally—without causing the morning-after drowsiness associated with synthetic sleep aids.

💡 P.S. You’ll find lemon balm as a key ingredient in my herbal tea blend “Deep Sleep”—a gentle, effective formula designed for those who want to wind down naturally at night.

3. Eases Digestive Discomfort

Thanks to its carminative and antispasmodic effects, lemon balm is excellent for bloating, indigestion, and cramps—especially when triggered by emotional stress.

4. Gentle Antiviral Action

Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid and other compounds with antiviral properties. It’s commonly used in topical creams to help manage cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus.

5. PMS and Menstrual Support

Its muscle-relaxing properties can help ease menstrual cramps and irritability, making it a go-to herb for many women.

How to Use Lemon Balm

Herbal Tea

This is one of the most popular ways to enjoy lemon balm. Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried herb in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Sip during the day to soothe anxiety or before bed to support restful sleep.

Tinctures & Extracts

For on-the-go stress support, tinctures can be a great option. A few drops under the tongue or in water can quickly help settle the nervous system.

Topical Use

Applied externally in balms or creams, lemon balm can calm skin irritations and help with cold sores.

In the Kitchen

Fresh lemon balm adds a citrusy, refreshing twist to fruit salads, smoothies, and homemade lemonade.

Who Should Avoid Lemon Balm?

Even gentle herbs have their considerations. Lemon balm is generally safe, but certain individuals should approach with caution:

• People with underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) – Lemon balm may inhibit thyroid hormone activity.

• Those on sedatives or anti-anxiety medication – It can amplify drowsiness when combined with such meds.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women – Therapeutic doses should only be used under professional supervision.

• Children under 3 years old – Always consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Learn How to Blend Herbs Safely and Confidently

If you’re fascinated by herbs like lemon balm and want to know how to combine them safely, create your own herbal teas, tinctures, oils, or topical remedies—now is the time to start learning properly.

👉 In my signature course, Herbal Foundations: Learn, Blend & Heal with Confidence, you’ll:

• Learn the core principles of herbal medicine

• Understand the energetics of herbs and the body

• Gain the confidence to formulate your own effective, safe blends

• Build a lifelong skillset for natural healing and resilience

✨ Whether you’re brand new to herbs or looking to deepen your practice, this course will help you become your own herbalist.

Master the Art of Herbal Medicine – Become Your Own Herbalist

Herbs like lemon balm are just the beginning. Inside Herbal Foundations, you'll discover how to:

✅ Understand how herbs actually work in the body
✅ Choose the right herbs for each person and situation
✅ Craft powerful blends that support real healing
✅ Store, prepare and dose your own remedies safely

👉 Ready to learn, blend, and heal with confidence?
Click here to join the Herbal Foundations Course now!