Lemon balm Benefits: A Calming Herb For Stress, Sleep, & Skin

Aug 1

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) might be one of the most underrated herbs in the garden. It’s fresh, bright, lemony, and uplifting—but don’t let its gentle nature fool you. This herb is a powerhouse for the nervous system, the immune system, and even the skin. It's been cherished for centuries as a mood lifter, digestive aid, and gentle sedative. And the more I work with it, the more I find new ways to let it shine.

What Lemon Balm Is Really Good For

Most people know lemon balm as a tea for stress, but there’s so much more going on behind those soft green leaves. This plant is:

Antiviral – amazing for things like cold sores, herpes, and other skin-based viral outbreaks.
Mild Sedative – helps calm anxious energy without being too heavy or sedating.
Digestive Supportive – great for gas, bloating, and general digestive unease.
Nervine – supports and strengthens the nervous system, making it ideal for burnout or fatigue.
Mood Lifter – even just rubbing a leaf between your fingers feels like emotional first aid.
Mild Pain Reliever – especially when used topically or in tea for tension headaches and menstrual cramps.

A Personal Story: How I Used Lemon Balm Essential Oil for Cluster Warts

One of the most impressive ways I’ve used lemon balm in my home apothecary wasn’t even internal—it was topical. When my daughter was little, she developed a patch of cluster warts, which are often caused by a viral infection of the skin. I’d tried natural methods and over-the-counter treatments with no lasting luck.

I started applying lemon balm essential oil, diluted with a carrier oil, directly to the area twice a day. It took time—but slowly, steadily, they faded and never came back. I’ve since shared this tip with other mamas, and it continues to surprise me how effective this plant can be even in those stubborn skin cases.

Lemon balm is also antifungal and antimicrobial, which makes it helpful for athlete’s foot, skin irritations, and more.

How to Use Lemon Balm Medicinally

Here are some gentle and effective ways to bring lemon balm into your life:

Tea – A strong infusion of lemon balm leaves calms the nerves, lifts the mood, and helps settle the belly. You can use it daily.
Tincture – Great for more acute anxiety or emotional distress.
Essential Oil (Diluted) – Useful for skin issues, fungal infections, and viral outbreaks.
Infused Oil or Salve – Wonderful for sore muscles, nerve pain, or as a base in skin-soothing blends.
Bath – A lemon balm bath is deeply calming before bed or after a long day.

Try It in My Herbal Teas

Lemon balm plays a starring role in two of my handcrafted tea blends:

🫖 Floral Stress Relief Tea – A gentle, relaxing blend that’s perfect for calming frayed nerves and winding down.
🫖 Men’s Wellness Tea – Formulated for heart and energy support, but lemon balm brings the calm grounding every body can benefit from.

Each small-batch blend is made with intention, organic herbs, and a deep love for the healing power of plants.

🌿 Ancient & Folklore Tidbits About Lemon Balm:

1. Beloved by Bees and Ancient Beekeepers
Lemon balm’s Latin name, Melissa officinalis, comes from the Greek word for “honeybee.” Ancient Greek beekeepers would rub lemon balm on their hives and even keep the plant near them to keep bees happy and prevent swarming. It was believed to calm the bees and attract them to stay close to their hive.

2. A Favorite of Paracelsus
The 16th-century physician Paracelsus called lemon balm the "elixir of life" and believed it could completely revive a person’s vitality and spirit. He wasn’t alone—this plant was considered a staple in many European monastic gardens and was used in herbal tonics to support mood and longevity.

3. Featured in Carmelite Water
In the 14th century, lemon balm was one of the star ingredients in Carmelite Water, a famous medieval tonic made by the Carmelite nuns. It was used for headaches, nerves, and melancholy—and was worn as a perfume by the French aristocracy, too.

4. In Medieval Magic and Love Spells
Lemon balm was associated with love and was used in herbal charms to attract affection and heal emotional wounds. Some even believed it could mend a broken heart—both physically and spiritually.

Lemon Balm Safety & Disclaimer

While lemon balm is generally safe and gentle, it’s not for everyone. Because it may interact with thyroid function, people with hypothyroidism or those taking thyroid medications should avoid using it internally without the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Lemon balm is also not recommended during pregnancy due to its effect on the uterus. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medications.

This post is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.