Lemon Balm – Melissa officinalis
Lemon Balm – is a miracle, healing plant and a must have in the garden.
Lemon Balm is Edible, the fresh or dried leaves can be used to make a soothing, calming tea or added to salads to offer a delicious lemony fragrance.
AND Its Medicinal – The leaves can be crushed and made into a tincture, extract, ointment or essential oil.
Here is TEN BIG Reasons why you should include this versatile, healing plant into your garden.
Anti-Viral Effect: Herpes – Cold Sores & Shingles. Try the essential oil or ointment on herpes and cold sores and a tiincture internally and topically on shingles.
PMS: Reduces sympton of cramping, anxiety and headaches – All ages -> Anti Spasmodic.
Heart Protection: Used regularly, lowers triglycerides and improves cholesterol synthesis. Controls heart palpitations and lowers blood pressure.
Liver Detox and Protection: Supports the livers production of antioxidats, helps detox liver.
Antibacterial and Antifungal: Lemon Balm oil has a high level of antibacterial and antifungal activity. Particularly active against CANDIDA yeast infections. Use essential oil, tiincture or extract twice a day.
Diabetes: The essential oil, tincture and extract are effective in preventing and treating diabetes. Helps control blood sugar levels and protects body against oxidative stress caused by diabetes.
Cancer: Can kill some cancer cell lines including breast cancer, colorectal cancer and aggresive brain cancers. It supports the body by fighting and rebalancing the cancer cells.
Thyroid Regulator: Overactive thyroid beenefits from regular consumption of Lemon Balm. The essential oil, tincture or extract helps regulate thyroid-binding problems.
WARNING – Considered Safe for use by most people BUT NOT TO BE USED BY people on Thyroid medication or those with underactive thyroids (Hypothyroidism)
Digestion Aide: Protective effect on gastro intestinal system and prevents ulcers. Aids digestion and useful in treating constipation and colic.
Skin Healer and De-Ager: Can reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Beneficial support for minor blemishes and infections.
Alzeimers and Dementia: Believed to reduce damage from plague forming proteins in alzheimers disease. Regular administration of extract increases cognitive function over time and reduces agitation. Slows progression and Promotes mild improvement.
Harvesting Lemon Balm:
Hang stems on branches to dry. Try to harvest just before flowering. (early to late Summer)
Lemon Balm Tea:
1 Tblsp fresh or 1 Tsp of dry Lemon Balm leaves and 1 cup of boiling water.
Tear leaves in small pieces and Pour boiling water over herb and allow to steep for 5 minutes.
Lemon Balm Tincture:
3/4 fill a 1/2 litre jar that has a tightly fitting lid.with fresh lemon balm leaves and crushed them. Pour 80 proof Vodka or other alcohol over leaves and fill jar making sure all leaves are covered.
Steep for 6-8 weeks in a cool dark place and shake daily. After steeping process pour liquid through fine mesh sieve to remove herb. Store tincture for up to 7 uears. A tincture is super concentrated so do your homework before using.
Much of the wisdom written on this page was discovered through reading a fabulous book called The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies written by Nicole Apelian, Ph.D & Claude Davis.