Lemon Balm question????

[magikhappens]

I don't suppose someone can tell me the healing properties and some info on Lemon Balm (herb)?

I had some info somewhere and just can't find it off hand and thought you lovely people in here could help me.

Thanks.
mwah

[Jen]

Key Constituents

• Volatile oil
  
• Flavonoids
  
• Triterpenes
  
• Polyphenols
  
• Tannins
  

Key Actions

• Relaxant
  
• Antispasmodic
  
• Increases sweating
  
• Carminative
  
• Antiviral
  
• Nerve Tonic
  

Volatile oil
Research has shown that the volatile oil and in particular citral and citronella calm the central nervous system. The oil is also strongly antispasmodic.
Polyphenols
Polyphenals are antiviral, in particular they combat the herpes simplex virus, which produces coldsores.
Thyroid
Lemon Balm inhibits Thyroid function

Traditional Uses
This Herb has allways been taken to lift the spirits. Taken regularly it was believed to encourage longevity.
Other traditional uses include healing wounds, relieving palpitations and relaxing the heart, and treating toothache.
Lemon Balm is a realxing tonic for anxiety, mild depression, restlessness and irritability. It reduces feelings of nervousness and panic and will often quieten a racing heart, being a valuable remedy for palpitations of a nervous origin. Lemon Balm is also useful when over-anxiety is causing digestive problems such as indigestion, acidity. nausea, bloating and colicky pains.
Following its discovery of its anti-thyroid effect, the Herb is given to people with an over active thyroid.
Lemon Balm is a first-aid remedy for cuts and insect stings and is good for treating fevers.

Taken from The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevalier

Make a tissane of the fresh Leaves ( or dried if that's all you have ). Rub the fresh Leaves directly onto insect bites. Place fresh Leaves over coldsores or make a tea from the Leaves and wait for it to cool, then dab onto the cold sore with a bit of cotton wool. I make a nice lip balm from this Herb especially for treating cold sore 'cos I suffer with them a lot.

[magikhappens]

YOU are an absolute sweetheart.
Thank you so much for that, truly appreciate the time you took to help me.