My “First” Herb – Melissa The first herb I ever studied intensely was Melissa officianalis, otherwise known as lemon balm. This innocuous little plant has some powerful effects against the cold sores that plague many people, and the tincture can easily be used topically when you feel the first signs of a cold sore coming on. Melissa Tincture. It is a very calming herb to the nervous system and has often been used for calming anxiety and insomnia in children and adults. It h