Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and is considered a calming herb. This herb is also known as Melissa officinalis, and it has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety, promote sleep and improve symptoms of indigestion. Lemon balm has been researched by experts and found to offer many great health benefits
Lemon balm was once used to relieve headaches and to ease toothache. In the Middle Ages, Lemon Balm was often steeped in wine to help boost the spirits, today it is still one of the ingredients in Benedictine, as well as many other liqueurs, cordials and digestive drinks and is known to be anti-depressive. It is a soothing and nourishing tea, caffeine free, with a pleasant, sweetly, mild citrus flavour and a delightful aroma, which is ideal as a pre-bedtime drink. To make a cup of lemon balm tea add 1-2g of the tea to a teapot or infuser – depending on how strong you like your tea – and pour over enough fresh boiling water as required. Strain into a cup, sweeten with honey and serve. Serve without milk. Lemon balm tea can also be served chilled like iced tea. A good tea to ease exam nerves. The tea can also be used to make syrup, jam, jelly and alcoholic beverages. Lemon balm is also
- antihistamine
- antiviral
- anti-stress
- antiflatulant
- a febrifuge
- mild tranquiliser
- and a nerve relaxant
- and is useful in the treatment of
- migraine
- dizziness
- nervous stomach
- lack of energy
- insomnia
- urinary infection
- and nervous excitability.
Lemon Balm is easily grown in the garden although it tends to become invasive so pot grown may be better. Pick 3 or 4 leaves to make the tea as above. Needs no sweetening. The insect-repellant essential oils lemon balm contains include citronella and monoterpenaldehydes citral A and B. The caffeic and rosmarinic acids in lemon balm offer profound antibacterial and antiviral properties when taken in both oral and topical forms. Topical lemon balm has been shown to reduce redness and itching from infections and eczema. These acids are particularly effective against strep throat, mumps and herpes among other things. The recommended dosage for the powder is 300-500 mg taken three times daily or as needed.As always with herbs – research your herb thoroughly before using it. Lemon balm is not to be used in high amounts (trace amounts are ok) in pregnant women and individuals taking the thyroid medication thyroxine. Also, caution should be used when giving oral treatments to infants and children. Breastfeeding women should also avoid taking large clinical doses of lemon balm as well.