Melissa officinalis

Common Names:

Lemon balm, Bee balm, Balm mint, Sweet balm, Common balm, Citroenmelisse

Binomial Name:

Melissa officinalis

Family:

Lamiaceae (Mint family)

The global lemon balm extract market is expanding at 7.2% CAGR, driven by rising demand for herbal supplements and natural remedies.

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Used Plant Parts:

• Leaves – Used fresh or dried for teas, essential oils, extracts, and culinary purposes.
• Stems – Occasionally used in herbal preparations.
• Flowers – Sometimes included in herbal remedies and bee-friendly gardens.
• Essential Oil – Extracted from leaves and stems for medicinal and aromatic purposes.

Origins, Distribution, and Habitat

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its origins trace back to the Mediterranean region, specifically Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.

The plant has been cultivated for centuries due to its medicinal properties, pleasant lemon-scented leaves, and its ability to attract pollinators, particularly bees—reflected in its genus name, Melissa, which is derived from the Greek word for “honeybee.”

Over time, Melissa officinalis has spread beyond its native range, becoming naturalized in many parts of Europe, North America, and Asia.

Today, it thrives in temperate and subtropical climates, particularly in regions with well-drained, fertile soils and moderate moisture levels. Lemon balm is often found growing in meadows, woodland edges, gardens, and along roadsides. It favors partial to full sunlight and is highly adaptable, flourishing in both cultivated settings and wild landscapes.

Due to its widespread use in herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and culinary applications, lemon balm is now cultivated globally, especially in countries like Germany, France, and the United States.

Its resilience and ease of cultivation have made it a popular addition to home gardens and herbal farms, ensuring its continued presence in both traditional and modern herbal practices.

Botanical Description:

Growth Habit and Structure

Melissa officinalis is a perennial, herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It has a bushy, clump-forming growth habit, typically reaching a height of 30 to 90 cm (12 to 36 inches).

The plant has square-shaped stems, a characteristic feature of the mint family, and a branching structure that allows it to spread easily.

Leaves and Aroma

The leaves of lemon balm are bright green, ovate to heart-shaped, with serrated edges. They have a slightly wrinkled texture with prominent veins, giving them a distinctive appearance.

One of the plant’s most notable features is its strong lemon-like fragrance, which is released when the leaves are crushed or rubbed. This scent is attributed to its rich essential oil content, including compounds such as citral, citronellal, and geraniol.

Flowers and Reproduction

During the summer months, Melissa officinalis produces small, tubular, two-lipped flowers that range in color from pale yellow to white or light purple.

These flowers grow in clusters at the leaf axils and are highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees, which play a crucial role in the plant’s reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into small nutlet fruits containing seeds that enable propagation.

Habitat and Growing Conditions

Lemon balm thrives in well-drained, slightly moist soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It prefers full to partial sunlight and is well-adapted to temperate climates.

The plant is commonly found in gardens, wild meadows, and woodland edges, where it spreads easily through both seeds and underground rhizomes. Due to its hardiness and adaptability, it has become a widely cultivated and naturalized species in many parts of the world.

Due to its high citral and geraniol content, lemon balm is a natural mosquito and bug deterrent.

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Active Compounds

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is renowned for its medicinal properties, which stem from its rich composition of bioactive compounds. These compounds contribute to its calming, antiviral, and antioxidant effects, making it a valuable herb in traditional and modern medicine.

Essential Oils

One of the most significant components of lemon balm is its essential oil, which gives the plant its characteristic lemony aroma and therapeutic benefits. The primary constituents include:

• Citral (Neral and Geranial) – A natural compound responsible for the plant’s citrus scent and known for its antimicrobial (kills or inhibits microorganisms) and anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling and irritation) properties.
• Citronellal – A terpene (aromatic compound found in essential oils) with a strong lemon scent, contributing to the plant’s calming and insect-repelling effects.
• Geraniol – A fragrant component with antioxidant (helps protect cells from damage) and antibacterial (fights bacterial infections) properties.

Phenolic Compounds and Flavonoids

Lemon balm is rich in phenolic compounds (natural plant chemicals that have antioxidant effects) and flavonoids (plant pigments that provide health benefits), which contribute to its protective and anti-inflammatory effects:

• Rosmarinic Acid – A powerful antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress (damage caused by free radicals) and has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective (supports brain health) properties.
• Caffeic Acid – A phenolic compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, often linked to immune system support.
• Quercetin – A flavonoid known for its ability to reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.

Tannins

Lemon balm contains tannins (plant polyphenols that bind to proteins and have astringent properties), which contribute to its antiviral and antimicrobial effects. These compounds help prevent viral replication and are believed to support digestive health by reducing irritation in the gut.

Terpenes and Other Phytochemicals

Apart from its essential oils, lemon balm also contains various terpenes (aromatic compounds that influence the plant’s scent and medicinal properties) and other bioactive molecules:

• Eugenol – A naturally occurring compound with analgesic (pain-relieving) and antimicrobial properties, often found in clove oil as well.
• Beta-caryophyllene – A terpene with anti-inflammatory and potential pain-relieving effects, also found in black pepper and cannabis.
• Triterpenes – Plant compounds that contribute to the herb’s antiviral and immune-supporting properties.

Uses in Traditional Medicine

For centuries, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) has been valued for its medicinal and aromatic properties in various cultures worldwide.

Known for its calming effects, digestive support, and antiviral properties, lemon balm has played a significant role in traditional herbal medicine systems across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Ancient Greek and Roman Medicine

The use of lemon balm dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was highly regarded for its ability to uplift the spirit and promote relaxation.

Greek physician Dioscorides (1st century CE) documented its use for treating wounds, insect bites, and digestive disorders. The Romans later adopted the herb and used it in aromatic baths and infusions to reduce stress and promote sleep.

Medieval European Herbal Medicine

During the Middle Ages, lemon balm became a staple in European monastic medicine. Benedictine monks cultivated it in monastery gardens and used it as a tonic for the heart and mind.

In the 14th century, the famous “Carmelite Water” – an herbal elixir containing lemon balm, lemon peel, and spices – was developed by Carmelite monks and widely used to treat nervous tension, headaches, and indigestion.

By the Renaissance, the Swiss physician Paracelsus referred to lemon balm as the “Elixir of Life,” believing it could extend longevity and restore vitality.

Herbalists such as Nicholas Culpeper (17th century) praised it for its ability to “expel melancholy” and recommended it for anxiety, depression, and heart palpitations.

Traditional Persian and Middle Eastern Medicine

In Persian traditional medicine, as documented by the famous physician Avicenna (Ibn Sina, 10th century), lemon balm was considered a powerful “joy-bringing” herb that could strengthen the brain and relieve sadness.

It was commonly infused into teas and tinctures to treat insomnia, digestive disorders, and palpitations. Throughout the Middle East, it was also used as a cooling herb for fevers and inflammation.

Studies show it enhances memory, focus, and reduces symptoms of mild Alzheimer’s disease.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Although native to the Mediterranean, lemon balm was later incorporated into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it was classified as a calming and harmonizing herb.

Practitioners used it to ease liver stagnation (a condition associated with stress and emotional imbalance), improve digestion, and reduce symptoms of restlessness and irritability.

It was also blended with other herbs such as chamomile and mint for additional digestive and relaxing benefits.

Folk Medicine in the Americas

With European settlers bringing lemon balm to the New World, it became widely used in North American folk medicine.

Native American tribes adopted the herb for its soothing effects on the stomach and nervous system, often brewing it as a tea for colic, nausea, and anxiety. It was also applied topically for soothing insect bites and skin irritations.

Evidence-Based Medical Applications

1. Anxiety and Depression Reduction
   • Clinical Findings: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials[1] indicated that Melissa officinalis significantly improved anxiety and depression symptoms compared to placebo, without serious side effects (Mathews et al., 2024).
   • Mechanism of Action: The anxiolytic and antidepressant effects are believed[2] to be due to the modulation of GABAergic, cholinergic, and serotonergic systems by the herb’s phytochemicals (Kennedy et al., 2003).
2. Cognitive Function Enhancement
   • Alzheimer’s Disease: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled [3]. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 74(7), 863-866.‏” class=”js–wpm-format-cite”>trial[3] demonstrated that Melissa officinalis extract improved cognitive function and reduced agitation in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (Akhondzadeh et al., 2003).
   • Cognitive Decline Prevention: Another study[4] suggested that Melissa officinalis extract might help prevent cognitive decline in older adults without hypertension, although further research is needed (Noguchi-Shinohara et al., 2023).
3. Blood Pressure Reduction
   • Hypertension Management: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical [5]s. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1), 146.‏” class=”js–wpm-format-cite”>trial[5] found that Melissa officinalis significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in patients with essential hypertension (Shahsavari et al., 2024).

Applications Requiring Further Research

1. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
   • Preclinical Evidence: Studies have shown that Melissa officinalis possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may have therapeutic potential (Mathews et al., 2024).
   • Clinical Implications: While these properties are promising, more clinical[6] trials are necessary to establish their efficacy in human populations (Watson et al., 2024).
2. Gastrointestinal Health
   • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A double-blind randomized clinical trial indicated that a traditional herbal formula containing Melissa officinalis improved anxiety and depression in patients with constipation-predominant IBS (Shahsavari et al., 2024).
   • Digestive Support: Traditional uses suggest benefits in digestive health, but rigorous clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects (Watson et al., 2024).
3. Sleep Quality Improvement
   • Preliminary Findings: Some studies[7] have reported that Melissa officinalis supplementation can decrease sleep disturbances in patients with chronic stable angina (Haybar et al., 2018).
   • Further Research: Additional studies are required to substantiate these findings and determine optimal dosages and formulations (Watson et al., 2024).

Recommended Dosages

Adults:

• Cognitive Performance and Mood Modulation: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced-crossover study[8] investigated the acute effects of a standardized Melissa officinalis extract on cognition and mood in healthy young adults.
  
  Participants received single doses of 300 mg, 600 mg, and 900 mg of the extract. The study found that a 600 mg dose led to a sustained improvement in accuracy of attention, while the 900 mg dose was associated with a reduction in alertness at all time points measured.

Children:

• Hyperactivity and Concentration Difficulties: A multicenter observational study [9]evaluated the effects of a fixed combination of valerian root extract (640 mg) and Melissa officinalis extract (320 mg) in primary school children exhibiting hyperactivity and concentration difficulties.
  
  Over a seven-week period, significant improvements were observed in focus, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. The treatment was well-tolerated, with only two children experiencing mild, transient adverse reactions.

Side Effects, Interactions, and Safety:

Potential Side Effects

1. Drowsiness and Fatigue – Due to its sedative properties, excessive consumption of lemon balm may cause drowsiness, lethargy, and reduced alertness, particularly if taken in high doses or combined with other calming agents.
2. Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) – Some studies suggest that lemon balm may contribute to lowering blood pressure, which can be beneficial for those with hypertension but may pose risks for individuals already on blood pressure-lowering medication, potentially leading to dizziness or fainting.
3. Allergic Reactions – In rare cases, skin irritation, rashes, or respiratory allergies can occur, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Lamiaceae family (such as mint, basil, or lavender).
4. Gastrointestinal Discomfort – Consuming large amounts of lemon balm may lead to nausea, stomach cramps, bloating, or diarrhea, especially if taken on an empty stomach.

Drug Interactions

1. Sedatives and Central Nervous System Depressants
   • Lemon balm enhances calming and sleep-inducing effects, which can intensify drowsiness when combined with medications such as:
     • Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Lorazepam)
     • Barbiturates (e.g., Phenobarbital)
     • Sleep aids (e.g., Zolpidem, Melatonin)
2. Thyroid Medications (Levothyroxine)
   • Some research suggests that lemon balm may interfere with thyroid hormone activity, potentially reducing the effectiveness of medications used to treat hypothyroidism. Individuals on thyroid hormone therapy should consult their doctor before using lemon balm.
3. Blood Pressure Medications (Antihypertensives)
   • Since lemon balm may naturally lower blood pressure, combining it with antihypertensive drugs (e.g., Amlodipine, Lisinopril, Losartan) can enhance the effect and cause excessively low blood pressure (hypotension).
4. Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants
   • Some compounds in lemon balm may have mild blood-thinning effects, which could interfere with medications such as Warfarin, Aspirin, or Apixaban, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Melissa officinalis has been used for over 2,000 years in traditional medicine for stress relief, digestion, and sleep improvement.

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Bibliography