The great 11th-century Arabic physician Ibn Sina (Avicenna) said the bee balm plant “has the admirable property of giving comfort and joyfulness.” From the early 17th century onwards, the Barefooted Carmelites prepared the famous “Carmel water” from this plant. This water became a popular remedy for nervous crises, weaknesses, and syncopes.
- Comforting Tradition – Indigenous to the mountain regions of southern Europe, Lemon Balm has been thought to help lift spirits since Medieval times.
- Balm for Your Brain – Soothing Lemon Balm may help support mental calm and healthy relaxation and rest.
Bee Balm Plant Scientific Facts
- Other names: Balm mint, balm, blue balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, garden balm, lemon balm, melissa, sweet balm.
- French: Melissa, cintronelle.
- Spanish: Toronjil, melisa, hoja de limon.
- Environment: In the Mediterranean region, it is farmed nowadays all over Europe and in warm American areas.
- Description: This vibrant plant of the Labiatae family grows from 40 to 70 cm high. Its toothed, rough leaves give off a lemon scent.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: Leaves and flowers.
Healing Properties and Uses
The leaves and flowers of the bee balm plant contain 0.25% essential oil that is rich in citral and citronella aldehydes, to which it owes its antispasmodic, sedative, carminative (to reduce flatulence), digestive, and antiseptic actions. It is helpful in the following cases:
- Nervous problems. Excitation, anxiety, tension headaches (headaches of nervous origin).
- Stress and depression. Balm is often recommended in stress and nervous depression cases because of its gentle sedative and balancing effects on the nervous system.
- Insomnia. When taken at night, it helps to overcome insomnia.
- Menstrual pain. For centuries, it has been recommended to ease menstrual pains.
- It may also be helpful for palpitations, abdominal spasms, colics, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting.
- It is antiseptic, antifungal (fights skin fungi), and antiviral when applied externally. Its action has been proven helpful against the herpes virus and type 2 myxoviruses.
Lemon balm is an excellent herb for infants and children suffering from colds, flu, or fever. A cup of lemon balm tea sweetened with honey and given to feverish children while covered in warm blankets helps break the fever. You can also put the child in a bath filled with tea and then cover them with blankets to help sweat it out. Lemon balm is also used to treat depression-induced sicknesses and melancholy. The herb is also helpful for hepatitis, nervous indigestion, headache, epilepsy, insomnia, cholera, and hysteria.
Bee Balm Plants for Sale
Carmel Water
Carmel water is not recommended due to its high alcohol content. The author met an older woman who managed to obtain her dose of alcohol in pharmacies by buying several bottles of Carmel water, which she frantically drank.
How to use Bee Balm
- Infusion
- Dry extract. It is usually administered in a dose of 0.5 grams thrice daily.
- Compresses. Applied with an infusion of 30-50 grams per liter of water.
- Baths. The same infusion as compresses added to the bathwater (2-3 liters per bathtub).
- Frictions. Applied with the essence dissolved in alcohol (balm alcohol).
Infusion: Steep for five to fifteen minutes and regularly take six ounces as needed. Tincture: Take thirty to sixty drops ½ to one teaspoon as needed. Fluid Extract: Take ½ to two teaspoons as needed. Powder: Take ten #0 capsules (60 grains) as required.
Frequently Asked Question
How does the bee balm plant support the immune system?
Bee balm contains compounds like thymol and carvacrol, which possess antiviral and antibacterial properties. These may help combat infections and support overall immune function.
Can the bee balm plant truly ease anxiety and promote better sleep?
Research suggests bee balm’s mild sedative effects may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. It may interact with GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation.
Does the bee balm plant have the potential for digestive health?
Traditionally, bee balm has been used for indigestion and bloating. Its carminative properties may help relieve gas and stomach discomfort.
How effective is bee balm for topical wound healing?
Bee balm’s antiviral and antibacterial properties suggest potential wound-healing benefits. Studies indicate it may promote healing in cold sores (caused by the herpes virus).
Are there antioxidant benefits associated with the bee balm plant?
Yes, bee balm contains antioxidants like rosmarinic acid. Antioxidants shield cells from harm caused by free radicals, which may decrease the likelihood of chronic illnesses.
Can bee balm help regulate thyroid function?
Limited studies suggest a potential role for bee balm in managing hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It may inhibit the binding of specific antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland. More research is needed in this area.
Does the bee balm plant interact with any medications?
Yes, it’s essential to be aware of potential interactions. Bee balm might interfere with blood pressure medications, thyroid medications, and sedatives. Consult your doctor before using bee balm if you take medications.
Are there any side effects associated with bee balm use?
Bee balm is generally well-tolerated but can cause nausea, vomiting, or dizziness in some individuals. Allergic reactions may occur, primarily if you have allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae family.
Where can I find reliable information on bee balm dosage?
Since dosage depends on individual needs and health conditions, it is always safest to consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Which bee balm form is most recommended: tea, tincture, capsule, or topical?
This depends on the desired benefit. Tea is typical for immune support, tinctures for concentrated effects, capsules for convenience, and topical ointments for skin concerns.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 163. Print.[bee balm plant]
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 166.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) study on Thymol: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5000011/
- Study published in Phytotherapy Research: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.1322
- Endocrine journal study: https://www.endocrine-abstracts.org/ea/0026/ea0026p249.htm
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API