13

Lemon balm is one of the most beloved of the healing herbs. The scientific name of this herb—Melissa officinalis—reveals much of its history. It is thought that bees and lemon balm have been inextricably linked since ancient times.

The scientific name Melissa is derived from the Greek term for "honey bee." Moreover, many herbalists agree that lemon balm has much of the same healing and tonic properties that royal jelly and honey has.

Lemon balm has traditionally been honored as an herb with the ability to lend rejuvenation. During the Middle Ages, lemon balm was a key ingredient in all medieval elixirs of youth. Even as late as the 18th century, lemon balm continued to maintain its reputation as an elixir of youth.

Herbalists describe the character of lemon balm as sour, dry, cold, and slightly bitter. Lemon balm is known to contain volatile oils (including citronellal), polyphenols, bitter principle, tannins, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids. The actions of the plant have alternately been described as sedative, anti-depressant, a relaxant and restorer, a digestive stimulant, antibacterial and antispasmodic.

It has also known for its ability to promote sweating, relax the peripheral blood vessels, and for its antiviral properties. The leaves of the lemon balm plant are believed to help relieve the symptoms of depression and tension.

The leaves are known as carminative, so are thought of as ideal for those individuals who may suffer from digestive upsets when they become anxious or worried. Because of its cooling properties, lemon balm is also good for people who may suffer from feverish colds.

The leaves of the lemon balm plant may be used both internally and externally to treat the eruption of cold sores. The herb can be used externally to treat sores or any other kind of painful swelling. The best time to harvest lemon balm is just before flowering. In the summer, the leaves of the lemon balm plant can make a delightfully cooling and refreshing tea.  

An Interesting Herb Fact

Other popular methods for consuming lemon balm in herbal remedies include as an infusion for hot tea, an ointment, tincture, infused oil, and in a compress. Hot lemon balm tea is used to treat depression, nausea, indigestions, and nervous exhaustion.

A lemon balm compress can be applied to any area of suffering from painful swellings, or conditions such as gout. Lemon balm can also be used to create a soothing massage oil. Simply dilute 5-10 drops of essential oil by combining with either almond oil or olive oil, and then rub to relieve chest complaints or other areas of tension.