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Medicinal herb
Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis L
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial of the mint family, recognised by the scent of lemon from a rubbed leaf. In the monastery garden at Stična it grows in a bed by the wall, where it has sun and shelter. Traditionally used for restlessness, trouble falling asleep and a digestion that answers to agitation.
About the herb
What lemon balm is
the leaf of lemon balm (Melissae folium)
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial of the mint family with heart-shaped, toothed and wrinkled leaves which smell of lemon when rubbed; that is the most reliable sign when gathering. The flowers are small and white and favoured by bees, which is where the plant's name comes from. In the monastery garden at Stična it grows in a bed by the wall, where it has sun and shelter.
The leaves or leafy shoots are gathered before flowering, when the scent is strongest; after flowering it weakens. They are gathered in the morning in dry weather and dried in the shade at a low temperature, because at too high a heat the leaves blacken and lose their scent. Dried properly, lemon balm stays green and fragrant.
The leaf and the essential oil are different preparations. In Ašič's collection the leaf of lemon balm appears in the MirSIT, NočSIT, House Tea, Family Tea, MetaSIT and VpresSIT blends.
Use and evidence
The EMA recognises traditional use to relieve mild symptoms of stress, to help with sleep and for mild digestive complaints with wind. It does not support the treatment of depression, the heart or an overactive thyroid. EMA 1, EMA 2.
Safety and precautions
It can cause drowsiness; the data for pregnancy, breastfeeding and children are limited. In diseases of the thyroid it is not advised as a substitute for treatment.
These notes are general and do not replace advice from a doctor or a pharmacist, above all in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, in children and alongside medicines.
Products containing this herb
Where you will find it in the range
16 products from Ašič's pharmacy contain lemon balm. The composition is listed with every product.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask about Lemon balm
Which products is lemon balm in?
Lemon balm is an ingredient of these products: Abbot's Tea, Family Tea, House Tea, MetaSIT, MirSIT, Mother's Tea, NočSIT, PulSIT, RefluSIT, VeselSIT, VpresSIT, Wellbeing, Women's Tea, ZgaSIT, Father Simon Ašič's Advice, Strength of the Monastery Garden.
How is a tea from this plant made?
The instructions differ from blend to blend. For Abbot's Tea they are: Pour 3 decilitres of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of the blend, cover and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Strain and drink the tea warm, three times a day. It can be enriched with a spoonful of honey and a spoonful of Father Simon Ašič's apple cider vinegar once it is no longer hot. Drinking the tea and using Father Ašič's products are no substitute for treatment with prescribed medicines.
Are there any warnings about its use?
The product is no substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy way of life. Its use is no substitute for treatment with prescribed medicines. Ask a doctor about use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How do I find out which blend is the right one for me?
Ring the pharmacist on +386 1 78 77 065 (Mon, Wed, Fri 8.00–14.00). Tell him what is troubling you and he will tell you what is traditionally used for it.
Related herbs
Often in the same blend
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