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These health guides are no substitute for proper diagnosis and treatment from your own health professional.
Lemon balm
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Melissa offocinalis
This is a rapid growing perennial pungent plant of thick and bushy growth, is a member of the mint family.
Lemon balm is used both as a culinary and medicinal herb. It is widely used and highly valued by herbalists in Europe. Various small scale laboratorty studies done in Germany have shown that the leaves of this plant, contain compounds which have sedative, digestive and antispamsmodic effects.
For the relief of flatulence, stomach upsets, headaches and neuralgia, a tea of chopped fresh leaves and hot water is taken. This herb calms the nervous system, reduces tension, thus it’s good for those, suffering from insomnia and nervous tension. It is also helpful in easing menstrual pain and can be taken safely on a regular basis.
Recent research has shown that this balm can treat herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores. A cream containing high concentration of this herb has been shown to speed the healing of the herpes leisons and lenghten the time between outbreaks. For external application, a poultice made with fresh leaves and flowering tips, is said to relieve rheumatic joints pain. Crushed leaves can be rubbed on the affected parts for insect bites and stings, and help to heal wounds. A stronger infusion of the herb can be used as a mouthwash to get rid of bad breath.
Taking lemon balm is relatively safe, but those with Graves' disease or other thyroid- related disorders should use thi herb with caution.
References
- Tierra M.The Way of Herbs. New York. Pocket Books. 1990.
- Black P. The Illustrated Herbal. Hamlyn. 1987
- Boxer A, Black P.The herb Book. Reed International Books Limited. 1980.
- Burch E (N.D.).The Complete Herbal Companion.Harper Collins 2000
- L’Orang D.The Herbal Healing Secrets of the Orient.Prentice Hall 1998
- Tierra M.The ways of Chinese Herbs.Pocket Books. 1998.
- Liu HC.Chinese System of Food Cures.Pelandok Publication.1989.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD, Hsu CS, PhD. Commonly Used Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute, 1980.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD. How to Treat Yourself with Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute. 1993.
- Murray M, Pizzorno J.The Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicines. Prima Pub. 1998.
- Tierra L.The Herbs of Life.Freedom, CA. Crossing Press. 1992.
- Dr.Walker M.Olive leaf extract. Kensington books. 1997
- Kloss J, Promise M.Back to Eden, revised version. Mass Market Paperback. 1989.
- Prevention Magazine (editors).The complete book of natural & medicinal cures. Health books. Berkley Publishing Group, 1996.
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