LEMON BALM Mystial and Medicinal

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

rigin: Southern European Mountains, Mediterranean.
 
Description: Labiatae (Lamiaceae), bushy perennial, similar to mint but more vertical growth, bright green leaves and small white or pink flowers appear in leaf axils. Sweet scented soft and bushy square stems.
 
Plant Parts Used: Aerial parts - leaves before flowering best.
 
 
Properties: Nerve restorer, tranquilizer, diaphoretic, stimulates blood circulation, anti-depressive, anti-histamic, anti-spasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, febrifuge, hypertensive, nervine, sedative, tonic, vermifuge. Relaxing, calming, relieves tension and stress, lowers blood pressure, reduces fever.
 
Metaphysical Associations: Air, Fire, Jupiter; Yin / Feminine, water, strong aphrodisiac, faithful (woman wears as a  beloved), central nervous system, settles nerves, elixir of life, anti-depressant, useful for end of relationships, fertility, youthfulness, counters fear and depression / negativity, increases wealth, makes wishes come true, lucky (beloved by fairies).
 
Spiritual Qualities: Love, cheers the emotions; calms nerves, strengthens and revives the vital spirit; longevity; increases psychic powers and encourages clarity of thought. Creates feeling of sanctuary and harmony; drives away bad dreams.
 
Medicinally: Anxiety attacks, Eczema and skin problems, allergies, insect bites, respiratory problems, digestion, shock, vertigo, phobias and palpitations with nausea and mild insomnia, relaxing, 'butterflies', cramps and digestive pains; fevers and flu's. Use externally for wasp and bee stings and as wound dressing. Helps decongest and loosen phlegm (an ingredient in 'Vicks’ ä), homemade chest ointment (with eucalyptus), crushed leaves can be applied to a graze as an emergency first aid measure.
Steeped as a tea - for heat stress, nervous disorders, anxiety, melancholy, asthma,                                         indigestion, flatulence; Uterine healer, balances menstrual cycle and                                         promotes fertility. Drink up to 6 cups per day for PMT and menstrual cramps.
          
Body Care: Facial steam reduces wrinkles and can be used to treat dandruff; also used in fragrance perfumes, natural cosmetics, facial cleanser and herb pillows.
 
Home Crafts: Pot Pourri, insect (including mosquito) repellent (due to citronella oil content); furniture polish, household cleaners, herb pillows.
 
Culinary: Lemon flavour for salads, puddings, punch, custards, cordial, added to cooking at last minute enhances flavour of vegetables and white meats. Used in food industries and drinks.
 
Cautionary Note: Non-toxic. Consult a Naturopath before taking large doses, especially when pregnant or lactating/breast feeding.
 
In the Garden:  Full sun to semi-shade, cut back and mulch, well composted moist soil, available in variegated form, ideal soil 1/3 slightly sandy soil. Loved by bees (rub melissa on a hive to calm a new swarm of bees).
 
  ShairinV©7/2005.

Naturopath

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