Lemon Balm, known botanically as Melissa officinalis, is a gentle yet powerful herb that has been used for centuries to calm, soothe, and restore. Its soft, lemony scent is unmistakable and comes from the essential oil found in every part of the plant. Interestingly, it takes a vast amount of this fresh herb to produce even a small bottle of essential oil, which is why it’s one of the more precious oils on the market.

At its heart, Melissa is a comforter—for both mind and body. It is particularly valuable in times of high stress, emotional overwhelm, or nervous exhaustion. Its calming influence helps to quiet a racing mind, ease anxious thoughts, and soften the physical effects of stress.

One of Melissa’s key actions is as an antispasmodic—meaning it helps relax the smooth muscles that line the walls of our internal organs. This makes it especially useful for supporting the digestive and urinary systems, helping to ease cramping, tension, and discomfort in a very gentle way.

Lemon Balm can be taken as a herbal tea, which is one of the most traditional and nurturing ways to enjoy its benefits. It also comes in capsule form for convenience. One of my personal go to remedies for anxious days is a combination of Lemon Balm and L-theanine (I love the one by Viridian). For me, it helps alleviate mild to moderate anxiety almost instantly—like a gentle exhale for the nervous system.

Melissa also shines as a support for respiratory issues. When used via steam inhalation, it can help open the airways, ease asthma symptoms, and calm persistent coughs. It’s also a beautiful ally for women—soothing emotional and physical imbalances around the menstrual cycle and helping to bring a sense of calm to hormonal fluctuations.

On a deeper emotional level, Lemon Balm is said to strengthen the brain against shock and stress, uplifting low spirits, and calming restless energy. It’s especially helpful for those who feel fidgety, unsettled, or overstimulated—restoring a sense of peace and presence in both the body and mind.