BREATH DEEP AND BE CALM WITH LEMON BALM
Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm has its common name due to its smell of lemons and is an attractive plant that grows well in pots, as it prefers good drainage (wet ground can kill it). It’s not keen on frost so keep it under cover during frosty weather. It self seeds readily.
Lemon balm originates in the Mediterranean and has been cultivated for at least 2000 years.
The Muslim herbalist Avicenna recommended the herb ‘to make the heart merry’.
It has been claimed that it can revitalize the whole body. John Hussey, of Sydenham, who lived to the age of 116, breakfasted for fifty years on Balm tea sweetened with honey, and this breakfast habit was shared by Llewelyn Prince of Glamorgan, who died in his 108th year! When in flower it will attract bees in great numbers for they obviously realise its value!
It is a great herb for the nervous system. It is a tranquilliser, it calms a nervous stomach, colic and heart spasms. The leaves are reputed to lower blood pressure. Its actions are very gentle, as well as being effective and so is often suggested for children and babies. Lemon balm lifts the spirits and is helpful in cases of depression, nervousness and insomnia.
The tea quickly brings on a sweat that will help to combat fevers, colds and flu and has antiviral properties that have been shown to be effective against mumps, herpes (cold sores) and other viruses.
Because Melissa is used in Europe to treat Graves disease (hyperthyroid) there is confusion about its effects on the thyroid - the assumption being that it only lowers production of thyroid hormones. However, it has also shown to raise thyroid hormone in cases of under active thyroid (hypothyroid) and so probably works more as a ‘balancer or regulator’ of hormones. Herbs generally do not work the way that drugs do by causing one specific reaction, they often work instead, with our bodies to correct, balance and heal.
Lemon balm boosts the immune system, stimulates the liver and gallbladder promoting detoxification and has an energising effect on people with fatigue.
How do I use it?
I use it in a tea. Pick a couple of sprigs, put in a cup or teapot and cover with boiling water. Sweeten with honey if desired (always raw honey - not pasteurised) and enjoy!