Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Common Names: Lemon Balm, Sweet Balm, Melissa
Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Type: Perennial herb
Habitat: Native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is widely cultivated across the UK and Isle of Man in herb gardens or as a garden ornamental, thriving in well-drained soil in sunny to partially shaded spots.

Height: Typically 30–80 cm, can grow taller in favorable conditions.
Leaves: Oval, bright green leaves with a distinctive lemon scent when crushed. The leaves are often serrated along the edges.
Flowers: Small, white or pale yellowish flowers that form in clusters during late spring and early summer.
Scent: A strong lemon fragrance, particularly when the leaves are crushed.

Essential Oils: The main component is citral, followed by geraniol, linalool, and eugenol, which contribute to its calming and lemon-scented aroma.
Flavonoids: Apigenin and luteolin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Tannins: These contribute to its astringent properties and mild antimicrobial effects.
Rosmarinic Acid: Known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
Phenolic Acids: Including caffeic acid, contributing to its overall health benefits.

Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of lemon balm in herbal medicine due to their high essential oil content, which provides the plant’s therapeutic properties. Fresh or dried leaves are typically used in teas, tinctures, and topical preparations.
Flowers: Less commonly used than the leaves, but still valued for their mild properties.
Stems: Used occasionally for teas, though they do not have as high a concentration of active compounds compared to the leaves.

Calming and Anxiety Relief: Lemon balm is known for its calming properties, particularly in horses with stress or anxiety. It is commonly used in horses that are nervous, stressed, or have a tendency to spook easily.
Digestive Support: Lemon balm has mild anti-spasmodic properties, which can be beneficial for horses suffering from mild colic, bloating, or other digestive discomforts.
Muscle Relaxation: Used for muscle relaxation, lemon balm can help ease tension and stiffness in horses.
Skin Conditions: The plant's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it useful for topical applications on skin irritations or minor wounds.

Lemon Balm Tea: Brewed tea from dried lemon balm leaves can be offered to horses in small amounts to promote calmness and ease digestive discomfort. Consult a vet for proper dosage.
Topical Application: Dilute lemon balm essential oil in a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and apply it to areas with skin irritations, or to help relieve tension in muscles.
Aromatherapy: Lemon balm essential oil can be used in a diffuser to help calm a stressed or anxious horse, especially during travel or in stressful environments.

Lemon balm should be used cautiously in pregnant mares due to its calming effects.
Consult a veterinarian for appropriate dosages, especially for horses with known digestive or skin conditions.

Calming and Stress Relief: Lemon balm is widely used for its mild sedative properties to help dogs with anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity. It's particularly beneficial for dogs with separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or travel anxiety.
Digestive Health: The plant’s anti-spasmodic properties can help ease discomfort caused by indigestion, gas, and nausea.
Sleep Aid: Lemon balm is often used as a gentle sleep aid, helping dogs who suffer from insomnia or restlessness.
Skin Care: Used topically, lemon balm has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can assist in healing minor cuts, scratches, or infections.

Lemon Balm Tea: Small amounts of cooled tea can be offered to dogs to promote relaxation and calm their nerves (consult with a veterinarian for proper dosages).
Topical Use: Diluted lemon balm essential oil can be applied to minor skin irritations or abrasions to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Aromatherapy: Using lemon balm essential oil in a diffuser can help alleviate anxiety and stress in dogs, especially during thunderstorms or travel.

Dilution is Key: Always dilute lemon balm essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it to dogs.
Not for Pregnant Dogs: Avoid use in pregnant or nursing dogs unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian.
Toxicity: Always consult a veterinarian for appropriate dosages and ensure that the lemon balm products used are dog-safe.

Healing Herb: Lemon balm has long been revered in the UK and Isle of Man for its calming and healing properties. Historically, it was used as a remedy for headaches, nervousness, and digestive issues.
Love and Protection: In folklore, lemon balm was often used in love potions or charms. It was believed to promote love, harmony, and affection.
“Melissa” and the Bees: The name “Melissa” comes from the Greek word for honeybee, and in folklore, it was believed that lemon balm could attract bees, which were considered symbols of prosperity and fertility.
Sleep Aid: Like in other cultures, lemon balm was believed to help with insomnia. It was often placed under pillows to promote sweet dreams and peaceful sleep.

Feature	Details
Main Uses	Calming, anxiety relief, digestive support, sleep aid, skin care
Parts Used	Leaves (primary), flowers, stems, essential oil
Equine Use	Anxiety relief, digestive health, muscle relaxation, skin conditions
Canine Use	Anxiety relief, digestive health, sleep aid, skin care
Folklore	Healing, love, protection, attracting bees, sleep aid