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Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Other Names: Balm, Balm mint, Blue balm, Dropsy plant,
Garden balm, Sweet balm, Lemon balm, Melissa
Lemon Balm Picture Copyright Karen Bergeron 2001 |
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Habitat
Lemon Balm is common throughout Europe, but mostly
cultivated in the United States. It sometimes grows wild in sunny fields and along roadsides. It is
a perennial and is easily cultivated by seed or root division in rich, sandy or loamy
soil. The branched upright stem is square and grows to about 3 feet in height. The leaves
are bright green growing in opposite pairs they are ovate and serrate. The whole plant has
fine hairs and a lemony scent when crushed. The flowers are yellow-white to rose colored
or even bluish, two lipped, bilabiate they grow in clusters at the joints or some times on
small branches at the joints. Lemon Balm blooms from about July to August. Gather the leaves
flowers and stems as soon as the flowers begin to open. |
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Properties
Lemon Balm is edible and medicinal. Fresh
leaves can be added to salad or used in egg dishes and can be used to make sauces for
fish, poultry and pork. Dried or fresh the whole plant is used to make cool refreshing
drinks or warm relaxing teas. Used in alternative medicine the leaves and young flowering shoots are antibacterial,
antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge,
sedative, and tonic. Balm contains a volatile oil citral and citronella which is strongly
antispasmodic and aids in calming nerves, relieving menstrual cramps, insomnia,
depression, hyperthyroidism, upset stomach, and colic in babies. Leaf tea is good for
fevers, colds, and headache. Fresh crushed leaves are applied to wounds and insect bites.
The essential oils in the fresh plant, particularly citronella make it a most effective
insect repellent when crushed and rubbed on skin or clothes. Research has shown that the
plant contains polyphenols, it can help significantly in the treatment of cold
sores and combat the herpes simplex virus. Added to bath it relieves muscle tension and
soothes irritated skin. The oil is often added to skin preparations and perfumes. The
essential oil is used in aromatherapy and is very pleasant used in potpourris. Lemon Balm can help significantly in the treatment of cold
sores and combat the herpes simplex virus. Added to bath it relieves muscle tension and
soothes irritated skin. The oil is often added to skin preparations and perfumes. The
essential oil (which is quite expensive and often adulterated with lemon or
lemongrass) is used in aromatherapy and is very pleasant used in potpourris.
Folklore
In ancient times Balm was planted by ones front
door to drive away evil spirits. It was also used to draw bees to the hive. Avicenna, an
11th century Arab herbalist said "it causeth the mind and heart to become merry"
Recipes
Breakfast tea: 2 tsp. chopped leaves added to 1 cup boiling
water steep 5 to 10 min. strain add honey and, or lemon.
Cold highnooner: 2 tbsp. per cup of cold water, let stand
for 6 to 8 hours. Strain, add ice peppermint sprig and sweeten to taste.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen
Bergeron
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