Kitchen Hack: Lemon Balm ~ Healing the Nerves All Around!

"Lemon Balm is sovereign for the brain, strengthening the memory and powerfully chasing away melancholy" ~ John Evelyn (1620-1706)

As integrative pediatricians, we love lemon balm for kids!! Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family. The leaves produce a lemon scent when crushed or rubbed. The leaves are the part used medicinally.

Lemon balm is used as a relaxing tonic for depression, irritability and anxiety. The anti-anxiety effect comes for several active components including linalool.  Lemon balm is a gentle herb so can be used in children safely for anxiety and nervousness especially when associated with chest palpitations. 

As immune support, lemon balm can be used to treat cold sores. This is best done as a tea. Lemon balm will reduce the duration of the cold sore and reduces outbreaks when taken regularly.