An Herbalist’s View - Lemon Balm
The history of Lemon Balm is steeped in mythology,
philosophy, medicine and even Shakespeare referenced
this lovely herb in his writings. Lemon Balm originated
in what is now Turkey, traded around with other spices
on ships, eventually making its way to nearly every
part of the world. This lively herb teaches us to
flourish where we are planted and to make everyone
happy on the trip.
The latin binomial for Lemon balm is Melissa
officinalis. Melissa is the Greek word for honeybee
due to the history of planting Lemon Balm near hives
to keep the bees close as they love the nectar of this
uplifting plant. Not only is Lemon Balm a wonderful
addition to any garden with its bright green leaves, and
intoxicating fragrance, it also provides us with a lovely
addition to our culinary endeavors. A sprig in our water
or iced tea, making a tea of the leaves or adding it to
salads or any other foods make it a wonderful addition
to the garden.
As I will continue to highlight herbs that have
medicinal properties, I also want to highlight their
ability to make it onto our plates, or cups, to enjoy
for the sheer pleasure of their presence. Lemon balm
is a gentle yet effective herb for reducing anxiety and
improving mental clarity. It helps to clear the mind at
night when sleep proves to be elusive. It helps reduce
the problems of nervous stomach, both helping to calm
someone and then to aid with digestion. Lemon Balm
is also high in volatile oils making this plant a strong
ally as an anti-viral. Lemon Balm aids the nervous
system, and is indicated for issues such as Shingles
and Herpes Simplex. Not only will it help to reduce
the outward symptoms of these viruses but it also helps
to alleviate the pain associated with them. Taking the
plant internally as a tea is an effective way to take
advantage of its health benefits but even the use of a
crushed fresh leaf on the site of a cold sore will greatly
improve the healing process. It does well in large pots
as Melissa likes to sprawl out and make runners. I
encourage you to try a cup of fresh Lemon Balm tea,
enjoy her relaxing benefits and take a deep breath.
Inhale that scent and smile.
– Sue Ehlbeck
[email protected]
Happy
Independence
Day!
pccnews July 2017
9