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Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, Zitronenmelisse, Mélisse, Melisa, Melissa officinalis, -
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is native to Europe and the Mediterranean and has been cultivated for centuries. Its lemon-scented leaves are used in teas, culinary dishes, and herbal remedies. In folk medicine, lemon balm is valued for its calming and digestive properties. In Ayurveda, it is considered cooling, mildly sweet and bitter, and helpful in balancing Vata and Pitta, while generally neutral for Kapha. Lemon balm leaves contain essential oils, mainly citral and citronellal, responsible for their aroma and mild sedative effects.
Soothes nervous system, helps reduce anxiety and restlessness.
Cooling effect helps calm excess Pitta.
Generally mild, neutral effect on Kapha.
Rasa
bitter (tikta), sweet (madhura)
Guna
light (laghu), oily (snigdha)
Virya
cooling (shita)
Vipaka
sweet (madhura)
Dhatu
Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa
Anxiety, insomnia, mild digestive issues, headaches
Avoid in very cold conditions or if prone to diarrhea; mild allergy possible.
Leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas, infusions, culinary dishes, or as tinctures.
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