Benefits of lovely Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

A member of the mint family, lemon balm is easy to grow; makes delicious spur of the moment tea.
Lemon Balm is a “euphoric”. I’ll never forget the day I learned that Melissa, as she is fondly referred to, as a “euphoric”; she makes people happy!!!!!

Gentle, loving Lemon Balm is one of my most favourite herbs! Her list of attributes is long and  ”Melissa” is a powerful ally for a wide variety of issues. There are always new volunteers each spring as the ‘mother’ plants offer up an enthusiastic showing of new plants. I welcome them and transplant and share and happily make medicine all season long!  I’ve given away 10+ baby plants in the last month and so this post is for everyone of course and also for those new ‘caretakers’ of missy Melissa!

Some new “Lemon Balm Babies” ready to share!

Here’s a quick peek at Lemon Balm:

Family: LAMIACEAE (Mint)

Primary Properties: Antibacterial, antidepressant, antiemetic**, antispasmodic, antiviral, anxiolytic, carminative, diaphoretic, febrifuge, nervine, relaxant, tranquilizer.

Secondary Properties: Analgesic, antiallergenic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimigraine, antioxidant, antithyrotropic, appetite stimulant, astringent, cardiac (mild), choleretic, bitter, emmenagogue, hypotensive, sedative, uterine relaxant, vulnerary.

**For clarification of any of the above terms, see “GLOSSARY” under the ‘article’ tab above.

Indications:

1. Nervous system conditions: A very good antidepressant and anxiolytic. Used for stress, tension, anxiety and depression. Used for emotional symptoms associated with PMS or menopause.
2. Feverish conditions; for all and especially effective with children.
3. Heart palpitations due to anxiety^^. Feelings of “nerved out” with stress
4. Tension headaches. OK for migraines.
5. Mild menstrual cramps.
6. Viral infections. Very good for viral fevers – chicken pox, measles. Supporting herb with potentizing anti-virals.
7. Digestive system conditions. Make tea from fresh plants when possible. Delicious!!
8. Allergies; combines well with other anti-allergenic herbs to make an anti-allergy tea or formula

Contraindications: Pregnancy and severe hypothyroidism (though not usually a concern).

^^Combines well with Motherwort herb (Leonurus cardiaca) for heart palpitations.

It’s easy to grow!  If you don’t have any at home, get yourself a plant and explore this lovely gentle herbal ally!

Lemon Balm  Infusion or  ”herbal tea”

I like to use Mason jars with lids fo keep the aromatic healing steam from escaping. 
Use a cup, mug or teapot.. Something with a lid is best.
This is how I make an infusion: 

Place 1-2 oz of Lemon Balm leaves (fresh if possible)
into a 1 litre Mason jar.  TIP: 8 – 12  leaves

Pour freshly boiled water to cover and enough to fill the jar.

Place lid on the jar and let steep for 10 -15 minutes.

Here’s another favourite way to use this special herbal ally ~ Check out this recipe for Lemon Balm Lemonade!