Lemon Balm
(Melissa officinalis)
Patient Counselling
When looking for a lemon balm product, try to find a product that has been standardized to contain 1% of a 70:1 lemon balm leaf extract. (3)
The cream should be applied at the first sign of a cold sore. (3)
Apply 2-4 times a day to the affected area. (3)
Continue using the cream until a few days after the cold sore has healed. (3)
Side effects are rare, however contact dermatitis and skin irritation are possible. Stop using the product if this occurs. (2)
Avoid if you have a known allergy or sensitivity to lemon balm. (2)
References:
The cream should be applied at the first sign of a cold sore. (3)
Apply 2-4 times a day to the affected area. (3)
Continue using the cream until a few days after the cold sore has healed. (3)
Side effects are rare, however contact dermatitis and skin irritation are possible. Stop using the product if this occurs. (2)
Avoid if you have a known allergy or sensitivity to lemon balm. (2)
References:
- LS2-Natural Standard. Lemon Balm. Available from: https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/l/lemon-balm/professional.aspx. Accessed June 3, 2014.
- LS3-Conklin, JS. Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis). In: Patient Self Care. 2nd ed. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 889-896