Uses for a Lemon Balm Tincture

A tincture is an extraction of a plant's leaves or other part of the plant that has been soaked in alcohol. Lemon balm (also called Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family that has been used since ancient times as a soothing tincture for a variety of medicinal, culinary and aromatherapy purposes. The balm has antispasmodic, calming properties that make the tincture effective at treating many physical problems and stress.

General Usage

• Lemon balm has a variety of medicinal uses and applications. The tincture typically comes in a small vial with a dropper, which is used to dispense the correct dosage of the substance. Tinctures can be placed directly beneath the tongue, or they can be be mixed with a small amount of water. Lemon balm tinctures are used to alleviate symptoms such as an upset stomach, stress, nerve pain and insomnia. The dosage ranges from two to three millileters a day, regardless of the route of administration.

Mental Ailments

• Lemon balm is most famously known for its ability to cure or reduce the effects of mental ailments, such as anxiety, depression and some phobias. The tincture also works to alleviate physical symptoms of stress, such as migraines, heart palpitations, stomach aches and nerve problems. This can be accomplished by using the tincture in a tea, body spray or even adding to bathing water.

Skin Conditions

• Lemon balm is also used frequently as a natural remedy for conditions of the skin caused by the Herpesviridae virus, such as chicken pox, cold sores, roseola, genital herpes, shingles and mono. Lemon balm already has strong antiviral properties, but works particularly well against the Herpesviridae group of viruses. Applying the tincture topically to the skin ailment helps alleviate discomfort and heal the sores faster. Apply the extract three to four times a day when using on the skin.