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Lemon Balm
Even before my herbalist days I loved growing lemon balm in my yard because of its strong aromatic lemon scent and beautiful leaves. I love running my hands over the top of the soft leaves and then inhaling the calming aroma. Not only do humans love this plant but bees go crazy over it, so much that the binomial name of Melissa, means bee.
Melissa officianlis
Family: Lamiaceae - mint
Parts used: leaves
Antiseptic
Antibacterial
Anti-Viral
Antispasmodic
Antioxidant
Diaphoretic
Carminative
Nervine
Anti-Depressive
Hypotensive
Anti-Microbial
Hepatic
Sedative
Calming
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Cooling
Drying
Nervous
Digestive
Uses
Strong antiviral; use for any type of viral illness
Cold sores and mouth sores
Cough, cold, flu, allergies
Fever; induce sweating for a good skin cleanse
Strep throat
Herpes, shingles, chicken pox
Nervous system support
Digestive system support
Strengthens the heart
Women's health; cramps, PMS, menopausal symptoms, and issues.
Hormone regulator
Tension headaches and migraines.
Protects brain from powerful stimuli making it useful for those with high energy.
Aids those suffering with ADD and ADHD, calming and soothing for restless children.
Depression, heartache, melancholy, hysteria, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), anxiety, etc.
Relax the body and mind, uplift the spirits, balance mood swings.
Insomnia, sleep aid and nightmares
Fatigue
Thyroid support; overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism, Grave's disease, etc.
Bug bites and stings.
Wounds, bruises, and cuts.
Use in potpourri or as an herbal pillow to freshen drawers, closets and furniture.
Use as a moth repellent in cupboards and linen closets.
Bug repellent
Concentrated tea may darken hair and cover gray when used regularly.
Food; add leaves to salads, and culinary dishes for subtle lemon flavor.
Tea, makes delicious drinks
Poultice (can chew and apply immediately), compress
Herbal oil (culinary and body)
Extract, liniment
Salve, balm, ointment
Bath, foot soak
Honey, syrup
Herbal popsicles (great for strep throat, mouth sores, cough, cold, etc.)
Lemon Balm is a cultivated plant grown in gardens; it is not found in the wild. It will grow readily, self-seeds and is frost hardy, coming back year after year.
Transplant or sprinkle seeds in rich, moist soil in part shade.
Keep the soil moist, watering daily if needed.
Feed compost tea monthly for added growth and vigor.
Harvest frequently by cutting leaves as needed and/or cutting back entire plant to 4" several times during the season.
Most potent and aromatic before the plant blooms but can gather leaves all season long.
Can be dried and stored, but most potent used fresh.
Stir up the soil around the plant in the fall, cut down to 4" and cover with mulch for winter protection.
Plants can also be grown indoors during the winter months.
Essential Herbal Wisdom
Medicinal Herbs A Beginner's Guide
Practical Herbalism
The Herbal Kitchen
The New Healing Herbs
