MELISSA (lemon balm)
Lemon balm is a hardy lemon-scented perennial that was a favorite with bee-keepers in ancient times. They would rub some of the crushed fresh leaves on beehives to encourage bees to return to their hives and bring others with them. In fact, the generic name Melissa comes from the Greek word for bee; another common name for it happens to be "bee balm." Lemon balm has upright, hairy, branching stems that reach a yard in height. Light green toothed ovate leaves grow in opposite pairs at each joint. White or yellowish two-lipped flowers appear from June to September and form in small loose bunches at the axis of the leaves, which emit a strong lemon scent. Lemon balm is an excellent remedy for soothing the nerves and lifting the spirits. Lemon balm has a particular affinity with the digestive system, where it calms and soothes nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, colic, dysentery, colitis and any stress-related digestive problems. The bitters gently stimulate the liver and gallbladder and enhance digestion and absorption. Lemon balm makes a useful remedy where nervousness or depression affect the action of the heart, causing heart pains, palpitations or an irregular heartbeat. In the reproductive system, lemon balm relaxes spasm causing period pain, and relieves irritability and depression associated with PMS. Lemon balm also helps regulate periods and has been used traditionally to relax and strengthen women during childbirth and to bring on the afterbirth. Both postnatal and during menopause lemon balm can help relieve depression. The relaxant effects of lemon balm help relieve pain and spasm in the kidneys and urinary system. Lemon balm makes a good remedy for headaches, migraine, vertigo and buzzing in the ears, and when combined with linden blossom it can help reduce blood pressure. In hot infusion it causes sweating, reducing fevers and making a good remedy for childhood infections, colds and flu, coughs and catarrh. Its relaxant and mucous-reducing properties are helpful during acute and chronic bronchitis, as well as harsh irritating coughs and asthma. Lemon balm makes a good remedy for allergies and its antiviral action makes it excellent for cold sores. PARTS USED Aerial parts, essential oil. USES Traditional uses - Lemon balm has always been taken to lift the spirits. Taken regularly, it was believed to encourage longevity. Other traditional uses include healing wounds, relieving palpitations and relaxing the heart, and treating toothache.Modern relaxing tonic - Lemon balm is a relaxing tonic for anxiety, mild depression, restlessness, and irritability. Lemon balm reduces feelings of nervousness and panic and will often quiet a racing heart, being a valuable remedy for palpitations of a nervous origin. Lemon balm is also useful when over anxiety is causing digestive problems such as indigestion, acidity, nausea, bloating, and colicky pains. Cold sores - Lemon balm relieves cold sores and reduces the chances of further outbreaks. Hormonal herb - Following the discovery of its antithyroid effect, lemon balm is given to people with an overactive thyroid. Other medical uses - Urinary incontinence, Viral infection. Lemon balm is a first-aid remedy for cuts and insect stings and is good for fevers. Culinary uses - Add fresh or dried lemon balm leaves to salads, sandwiches, marinades, sauces, soups, stews, stuffing for pork, veal, or poultry, vegetables, egg dishes, jams, jellies, and herbal vinegar, in particular tarragon vinegar. As the taste of lemon balm is rather delicate, feel free to use it more generously than you would other more robust herbs.When using fresh leaves, crush them first to release the lemony flavor. Make a refreshing tea by pouring boiling water over a handful of fresh leaves. Steep for a few minutes. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.Add lemon balm to summer punches and soft drinks.Lemon balm oil is used as a flavoring in various liqueurs, including Chartreuse and Benedictine.
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