Botanical name: Melissa officinalis L.
Family name: Lamiaceae
Vernacular names: Lemon Balm
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/212
Habitat & Distribution:
Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Widely cultivated in temperate regions across the world including India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and herbal farms). Grows best in moist, rich soils in partial shade.
Morphology:
A perennial herb reaching 30–90 cm in height. Leaves are ovate, bright green, slightly hairy, with a lemony aroma. Stems are square and branched. Small white or pale yellow flowers appear in leaf axils during summer. Entire plant gives off a distinct citrus-like scent due to its essential oils.
Substitute/ Adulterant:
Substitute – Ocimum basilicum (for aromatic effects)
Adulterant – Other Mentha or Ocimum species with similar aroma
Phytochemicals:
Citral, citronellal, geraniol, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), tannins, ursolic acid, essential oils
Karma – Rogaghnata:
Manas rogaghna, Nidrajanaka, Hridya, Jwaraghna, Shwasahara, Anulomaka
Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:
External:
Essential oil applied over temples and chest for calming effect; used in aromatherapy for anxiety, migraines, and insomnia.
Internal:
Infusions used in stress, nervous tension, indigestion, colds, cough, menstrual discomfort, and mild hypertension. Also improves mood and cognitive function.
Part used:
Leaves and aerial parts
Yoga/Formulations:
Lemon balm tea, Melissa syrup, integrated in Ayurvedic-manufactured nutraceuticals for calming and sleep aid (often paired with Brahmi and Jatamansi)
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated
Research updates:
Kennedy DO, Little W, Scholey AB. Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis extract. Psychosom Med.
Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M. Melissa officinalis in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: A randomized controlled trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry.
Cases J, Ibarra A, Feuillère N. Pilot study of cognitive and mood effects of a standardized extract of Melissa officinalis in healthy adults. Med J Nutr Metab.
