Medicinal Properties of Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, was dedicated to the goddess Diana and has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 2000 years, according to HerbWisdom.com. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) reports it was used prior to the Middle Ages to heal wounds, treat insect bites and stings, and to lift spirits. During the Middle Ages, it was used to promote sleep, improve appetite, ease indigestion, and reduce stress and anxiety.

Relaxant Properties

• UMMC reports that medical studies regarding the use of lemon balm as a sleep aid did not explore the use of lemon balm alone. Studies that compared the combination of lemon balm with valerian, chamomile or hops did show a significant benefit over the control placebo, but it is unclear which of the herbs might be beneficial if used alone, or whether the effectiveness was due to the combination of herbs.

Anti-anxiety Properties

• A very small study of 18 volunteers used lemon balm to elevate their mood and improve alertness and a calm attitude. UMMC reports that the 600 mg dose of lemon balm was effective.

Cognitive Function Properties

• A 2003 study included in the "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" reported that lemon balm oil was effective when used as aromatherapy to treat agitation in patients with severe dementia. A Spanish study noted that lemon balm, passion flower and valerian might be a safer, effective treatment for hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder than some pharmaceutical treatments. A third study reported in the Oct. 23, 2006 edition of "Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" noted that lemon balm was effective for treating cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.

Antiviral Properties

• A 2008 study reported in "Natural Product Resources" found lemon balm beneficial in the treatment of herpes simplex and recommended that additional studies be completed. Drugs.com reports two studies reported in "European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP)" demonstrated the efficacy of lemon balm extract on both mouth and genital herpes outbreaks.

  A 2008 study reported in "Retrovirology" used lemon balm, peppermint and sage extracts on the HIV-1 virus in an effort to determine the antiviral effectiveness of these plants to inhibit the virus. The authors of the study concluded that concentrated extracts could reduce the ability of the virus to infect individuals. They also noted that topical use of the extracts could inhibit the herpes simplex 2 virus.

Other Properties

• Drugs.com reports some studies have demonstrated antioxidant and hepatic benefits in mice and rats. Lemon balm has demonstrated anti-inflammatory benefits that can sooth gastric issues in rats.