Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, belongs to the Lamiaceae family and has a lemon-like flavour and a pleasant lemon scent. The medicinal parts of this plant are both the leaves and the pale yellow flowers. It is recommended to harvest the young shoots when they reach around 30 cm in length, or alternatively, the leaves can be collected just before or during flowering. To maintain the quality of the plant material, it should be dried promptly to preserve the volatile oil content, with the odour serving as a good indicator of its quality. While Lemon balm is originally from western Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean region, it can now be easily cultivated in various temperate regions worldwide.
ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS
The active components in a plant that provide medicinal benefits to the body are known as active constituents. In the case of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm), the main active constituents are the 1-2% volatile oil content, while its significant antioxidant content adds to its value as a herb that promotes health.
Volatile oil
When you touch a plant in the garden and smell its strong scent, you are encountering volatile oils, which are aromatic oily particles created by the plant and dispersed into the air to attract or deter organisms. These volatile oils are often extracted as essential oils, but for pets, these extracts can be dangerous due to their high toxicity levels. Nonetheless, in their natural plant form or when diluted, they can have therapeutic benefits, with Lemon balm being a popular choice for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Flavones
Flavones, a type of flavonoid, are secondary plant metabolites that act as health-enhancing antioxidants present in numerous fruits and vegetables commonly included in our diets. Many flavones exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic characteristics, and they also play a role in regulating enzyme functions in the body.
Hydroxycinnamic acids
These acids are beneficial due to their strong antioxidant properties, which not only safeguard biologically essential molecules from oxidation but also provide anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial advantages. The cosmetic industry widely acknowledges the benefits of HCA, as evidenced by the inclusion of this valuable ingredient in numerous contemporary skincare products.
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS and MEDICINAL USES
Lemon balm is a tonic herb that affects the central nervous system, the digestive system, as well as the heart and circulatory systems, making it appropriate for various medicinal uses. It is a great carminative herb that alleviates spasms not only in the stomach but throughout the digestive tract. The volatile oils also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, making it a great herb to use for digestive issues related to anxiety or depression. The tonic effect on the heart and circulatory system includes a gentle vasodilatory effect to reduce blood pressure.
Applications for pets
Infusion
By preparing a basic infusion, you can create an effective Antimicrobial solution for treating ringworm and Herpesviral infections externally. When ingested, this same infusion can gently soothe the digestive system by acting as an antispasmodic, beneficial for flatulent dyspepsia. Taken internally this same tea calms the digestive tract with an antispasmodic action suitable for flatulent dyspepsia, which may need a method of administration which is particularly gentle on the body. To prepare an infusion for pets, steep 5-30g of dried petals in 1 cup of boiling water, cover, and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes. Keeping the infusion covered ensures that the medicinal properties are preserved rather than being lost through evaporation.
Cream
Infuse the delicate stems or leaves in a high-quality carrier oil, such as organic olive oil, to make a cream or salve. This antimicrobial mixture can be applied externally for treating ringworm or Herpesviral infections. Using top-notch food-grade ingredients in your preparation helps prevent any toxicity concerns if your pets happen to lick the treated area, a behavior they are prone to.
Dried herb
It is easy and convenient to incorporate dried herbs into the diet, but it is important to make sure you are using the right medicinal variety, ensuring its quality (the aroma is a good indicator of quality), and following the correct dosage. When used in this manner, Melissa officinalis serves as a valuable tonic for the central nervous system, making it ideal for addressing anxiety, depression, irritability, or sleep disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction. Additionally, as a beneficial anti-spasmodic, it is especially effective for treating flatulence and dyspepsia.
Concentrated extracts
Concentrated extracts are available in different forms and offer the same internal benefits as infusions or dried herbs, but in a more potent and easily absorbable format. Tinctures, which use alcohol to extract and preserve a plant's medicinal properties, are the most common form. While tinctures can be an excellent option for people due to their fast absorption and effectiveness with only a small amount needed, they are not suitable for pets who cannot metabolize alcohol. Some may consider the minimal alcohol content in tinctures insignificant, but for those who wish to avoid any potential risks, there are alternative methods. One approach is to mix the required tincture drops with boiling water to allow the alcohol to evaporate before use. Another option is to opt for a glycerine-based preparation instead.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
It is not advisable to use Melissa officinalis if there is impaired thyroid function or for prolonged periods without monitoring, as it may disrupt the action of thyroid hormones.
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REFERENCES
Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press.
Hoffman, D. (2003). Holistic Herbal: A safe and practical guide to making and using herbal remedies. London, England: Thorsons.
Wynn, S. G. & Fougere, B. J. (2007). Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Missouri, USA: Mosby, Elsevier.
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