A Healing Herb (Lemon Balm)
Lemon Balm is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety
A Healing Herb Guide
Lemon Balm is the fifth herb to feature in my new Healing Herb Guide.
Lemon Balm is well known for calming the nerves. Fresh leaves are used to make a delicately flavoured herbal tea that works wonders in relieving stress and inner unrest which is why it makes a perfect bedtime drink to aid sleeping.
Introduced from Europe, Lemon Balm can thrive in poor soil, in direct light or shade. It is perennial with erect square stems that grow to about two feet tall. The whole plant is covered with a soft downy hair which, when touched, release the abundant sweet lemon fragrance this hardy plant is famous for.
The creamy-white or pale purple flowers of Lemon Balm are a magnet for bees so it is a delight to grow in any garden. Symbolising devotion, respect, wisdom and abundance it is a plant with profound symbolic value.
I hope you enjoy discovering the life-giving and healing benefits of Lemon Verbena - a wonderful addition to any diet with many different recipes for your general good health, relaxation and wellbeing.
Folklore
Lemon Balm appears in magical workings for uplifting the mood, healing and attracting love. It makes a gentle and compassionate partner as simply growing and tending Lemon Balm brings healing and love being placed under the rulership of Venus.
Lemon balm thrives in poor soil in both sun or shade. The whole plant is covered in a soft down and when the foliage is touched, even when it is just emerging in Spring, it bursts with an abundance of the sweet lemon fragrance it is famous for.
The flowers are a magnet for bees as reflected in its name, ‘Melissa OIfficinalis’ which comes from the Greek word ‘Melissa‘, which literally means ‘bee‘.
According to Nicholas Culpeper: It is an herb of Jupiter, and under Cancer, and strengthens Nature much in all its actions. Let a syrup made of the juice of it and sugar be kept in every gentlewoman’s house, to relieve the weak stomachs and sick bodies of their poor sickly neighbours: as also the herb kept dry in the house, that so with other convenient simples, you may make it into an electuary with honey.
Nutrition
Lemon Balm helps countless health problems making a high contribution to almost every part of the body. It is extremely high in trace minerals such as boron, manganese, copper, chromium, molybdenum, selenium and iron with large amounts of the macromineral silica.
Lemon Balm is a B12-conserving herb—which means it monitors stores of this vitamin and keeps your body from using it all up. It is anti-parasitic, antiviral and antibacterial throughout the body, helping to fight the Epstein-Barr virus, shingles and other herpetic bugs such as HHV-6, which are behind countless chronic illnesses, symptoms, and conditions. It is an amazing herb for tonsillitisn which is inflammation caused by strep bacteria.
Lemon Balm detoxifies the liver, spleen and kidneys, and helps reduce bladder inflammation, which makes it a star for helping to alleviate interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
SOURCE: Medical Medium - Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a good source of vitamin C and contains smaller amounts of vitamins A, E, and K. It provides several minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Lemon Balm contains various phytochemicals including volatile oils such as citronellal, citral and geraniol which contribute to its characteristic aroma and general health benefits.
Remedies
Many people enjoy using Lemon Balm in herbal tea (see below) or as an Essential Oil for aromatherapy to achieve a sense of calm.
Lemon Balm is used to support digestive health and to alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, gas and stomach discomfort while gently stimulating the appetite and aiding digestion.
Lemon Balm has antiviral properties with certain compounds that have shown activity against viruses, particularly the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores.
- Infuse lemon balm in the home to lift the mood of those with psychological stress
- Add lemon balm to floor washes to help cleanse rooms after illness or upheaval
- Drink Lemon Balm tea during a sleepless night to bring on drowsiness
- Ideal for children with insomnia in a herbal tea with a combined dose of Valerian and Lemon Balm
Recipes
LEMON BALM HERBAL TEA
Bring 1 pint of filtered water to the boil with Lemon Balm and infuse for fifteen minutes. Infuse one ounce of Lemon Balm for every pint of water.
Add raw honey and lemon peel (or juice), allow to cool, strain and to drink straight away or store in the fridge.
This simple herbal tea helps to relieve stress, lower anxiety, reduce nervousness and induce relaxation before sleep. Lemon Balm extract helps to lift the mood and increase attention when taken during the day.
SLEEP TIME HERBAL SYRUP
Place 1 x cup Lemon Balm leaves into a small pot and add enough filtered water to just cover the leaves.
Simmer gently until the liquid is reduced in half. Strain out and compost the leaves.
While still quite warm, measure out about 1/2 cup of the concentrated tea and stir 1/4 cup raw honey into it. Add more honey to taste, if you wish.
Store in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
Dose by the spoonful at night to help calm and relax. (Honey should not be used with children under 1 year old.)
Note: Make larger or smaller batches – keeping a ratio of about 2 parts lemon balm infusion to 1 part honey.
I hope you are enjoying this ongoing series of posts about the healing powers and health benefits of herbs that can be grown in any sized garden - and in pots too!
Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey of herbal delights and discovery. I hope you enjoy adding Lemon Balm to your herbal teas and recipes.
Much love
Sue Xx
Thank you for sharing!
for you, for me and for Mother Nature
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