Side Effects of Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is used to treat a variety of conditions naturally, and is believed to have antiviral properties. It is frequently administered as a home remedy for herpes sores, and is also used as a mild sedative. The herb is listed on the FDA's "Generally Recognized as Safe" List, and has no unsafe side effects. It has been used throughout history to treat a variety of nervous and physical ailments, and is still widely used today.

Identification

• A plant of European descent, lemon balm is known by several common names, including Melissa, bee balm, and sweet balm. The plant is characterized by it's lemon scent, which can be obtained by lightly bruising a leaf. Lemon balm is a component of many over the counter remedies and teas, and can also be purchased as an individual compound. Lemon balm can be brewed as a tea, taken in capsule form, or used as an ingredient in topical ointments and salves.

History

• Lemon balm has been a common folk remedy for nervous complaints for centuries. The herb was used in medieval times to treat stress related complaints, as well as to calm upset stomachs. It has recently gained popularity as an antiviral compound and is frequently used topically to treat herpes flare-ups. It can also be taken orally to fight other types of viruses, such as influenza.

Effects

• Because of its reported antiviral properties, lemon balm has been used as an alternative form of treatment for viral conditions such as herpes. While there is no cure for this virus, application of topical lemon balm has been shown to reduce the intensity and length of flare-ups, making it a useful addition to an herbal medicine cabinet.

  The herb is also a mild sedative, and is generally safe for use for all ages. This makes it a popular remedy for insomnia, as it is non addictive and doesn't remain in the system as long as prescription sleep aids.

Side Effects

• Lemon balm can cause drowsiness, and should not be taken topically or orally before driving or operating heavy machinery. It should not be taken in conjunction with other herbal, over the counter, or prescription sleep aids. Lemon balm is generally seen as a safe supplement, and has no known negative side effects.

Warning

• Before using any herbal remedy, it's wise to consult your doctor or a trained herbalist. While Lemon balm is generally safe, an allergy or drug interaction is always a possibility.