Lemon Balm: The Herb of Joy and Calm
Have you ever noticed how quickly a bad day can steal your joy? One hard conversation, one wave of overwhelm, and suddenly it feels like your soul has forgotten how to smile. I’ve had days like that—days when I sit with the Lord and whisper, “Father, will I ever feel light again?”
And then I remember: God often places tiny reminders of His joy right in creation. One of those reminders is lemon balm, a bright, citrus-scented herb that lifts the heart and calms the spirit.
What is Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) belongs to the mint family and has been called the “herb of gladness” since the Middle Ages. Its lemony scent and gentle properties have made it a staple in gardens, apothecaries, and kitchens for centuries.
Biblical Connection
While lemon balm isn’t named in Scripture, God’s Word tells us that He created the plants of the earth for both food and healing:
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.” – Psalm 104:14-15
Lemon balm is one of those plants that gladdens the heart—lifting our mood and reminding us of God’s kindness.
Benefits of Lemon Balm
🌿 Calm for the anxious soul – Lemon balm is known for reducing stress and easing nervous tension.
🌿 Support for restful sleep – Taken as a tea, tincture, or capsule, it gently promotes relaxation and rest.
🌿 Joy for the heavy heart – Its uplifting scent and flavor have long been used to encourage emotional balance and joy.
🌿 Relief for the burdened body – Lemon balm may ease digestive discomfort and even support brain health.
A Holy Health Reflection
Lemon balm is like a fragrant whisper of God’s joy—subtle, refreshing, and steady. When life feels heavy, lemon balm reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten how to renew our gladness. The same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead can breathe new joy into the places of our hearts that feel lifeless.
Try This
Brew a cup of lemon balm tea during your morning quiet time, praying Psalm 16:11:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Grow lemon balm in a small pot by your window as a daily reminder that joy is something God cultivates in us.
Rub a fresh leaf between your fingers and inhale deeply when you feel stress rising—let it become a prayer for peace.
💡 Sticky Sentence: Lemon balm reminds us that God restores joy and calm, even when life feels heavy.
Common Names
Lemon balm
Melissa
Bee balm (not to be confused with Monarda didyma)
Botanical Family
Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Parts Used
Fresh or dried aerial parts (leaves and flowers)
Energetics
Taste: Lemon-citrus, slightly sweet, mildly bitter
Energy: Cooling, drying, uplifting
Actions
Nervine (calming for the nervous system)
Anxiolytic (reduces anxiety)
Antispasmodic (relaxes muscle tension, smooth muscle)
Carminative (supports digestion, eases gas and bloating)
Antiviral (especially supportive in cold sores, shingles, viral infections)
Mild sedative (encourages sleep and rest)
Key Constituents
Volatile oils (citral, citronellal, linalool)
Flavonoids (antioxidants)
Tannins
Rosmarinic acid
Traditional & Modern Uses
Calming the nervous system: Helpful for anxiety, restlessness, and nervous tension.
Supporting sleep: A gentle sedative, often combined with chamomile, passionflower, or valerian.
Digestive support: Relieves indigestion, bloating, and mild nausea.
Mood uplift: Historically called the “herb of gladness” for its ability to lift the spirit.
Antiviral uses: Effective in topical creams for herpes simplex (cold sores).
Preparations
Tea/Infusion: 1–2 tsp dried herb per cup, steep 10 minutes.
Tincture: 2–5 mL (40–60 drops), up to 3x daily.
Glycerite: Gentle preparation for children.
Topical: Infused oils or creams for viral skin eruptions or irritated skin.
Culinary: Fresh leaves in salads, syrups, or infused into water for refreshment.
Safety
Generally safe, even for children.
Avoid high doses in hypothyroidism (may mildly suppress thyroid function).
Possible interactions with sedatives or thyroid medications.
Always consult a healthcare provider for long-term use alongside prescription drugs.
Lemon balm embodies the tenderness of God’s healing design: uplifting yet calming, steady yet joyful. Just as its fragrance refreshes the senses, God’s Spirit refreshes weary hearts, restoring peace and gladness.
