LEMON BALM

(Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), not to be confused with bee balm, Monarda species, is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. In England it may be known simply as "balm".

leaves

Lemon balm is often used as a flavouring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. It is also frequently paired with fruit dishes or candies. It can be used in fish dishes and is the key ingredient in lemon balm pesto.

leaves

Lemon balm contains eugenol, which kills bacteria and has been shown to calm muscles and numb tissues. It also contains tannins that contribute to its antiviral effects, as well as terpenes that add to its soothing effects.

Traditionally this herb has been used as a sedative, and as an antispasmodic.

plant

It grows to 70–150 cm tall. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint. During summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear. These attract bees, hence the genus name Mellissa (Greek for 'honey bee'). Its flavour comes from citronellal (24%), geranial (16%), linalyl acetate (12%) and caryophyllene (12%).

Stack and grow herbs kit

Part used: tops.
Properties: diaphoretic, sedative, antitryptic, antispasmodic.
What it affects: nerves and circulation.


Preparation and amount:
Infusion: steep 5-15 min. and take 6 oz. as needed frequently.
Tincture: Drink 30-60 drops (1/2-1 tsp.) as needed.
Fluid extract: Drink 1/2-2 tsp as needed.
Powder: Take 10 #0 capsules (60 grains) as needed.


Purposes:
 Internally, lemon balm is a specific for children and infants when indications of colds, flus, or fever appear. Sweeten the tea with honey and give it hot to feverish children while they covered with warm blankets.Or first put them into a hot balm with copious amount of the tea; and then bundle them under blankets to sweat it out.


Lemon balm is frequently used to cure melancholy and depression- induced sicknesses. It is also good for hysteria, cholera, insomnia,  epilepsy, headache, nervous indigestion, and hepatitis.


Plant Description:
The plant grows up to 2 feet in height, sometimes higher if not maintained. In the spring and summer, clusters of small, light yellow flowers grow where the leaves meet the stem. The leaves are very deeply wrinkled and range from dark green to yellowish green in color, depending on the soil and climate. If you rub your fingers on these leaves, your fingers will smell tart and sweet, like lemons. The leaves are similar in shape to mint leaves, and come from the same plant family.