Lemon Balm(Melissa officinalis)
Other Names:
Not to be confused with Bee Balm.
Range: Non native
Family:
Lamiaceae - Mint family
Growth Type:
Herbaceous Perennial plant
Height:
Grows 2ft - 3ft tall. Sometimes taller in ideal soil conditions.
Leaves:
The leaves have a mild lemon scent, arranged opposite along the stem, are heart shaped, bluntly serrated, and have veins extending from a prominent midrib. Like many other members of the mint family, the leaf surface appears almost wrinkled.
Stem/Trunk:
Multiple branched square herbaceous stems
Root:
Fibrous root mass
Flower Season:
Summer
Flower Appearance:
Small white 4 petaled flowers. The flowers are full of nectar and attract many bees. This is the reason for the genus name Melissa which is Greek for honey bee.
Seed/Fruit:
N/A
Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A
Habitat:
This plant has escaped cultivation and is now native to about half of the continental US. Growing in open fields, waste areas, and edge of forests. Prefers Sandy well drained soils, and full light, although is semi-shade tolerant.
Parts Used:
Aerial parts of the plant
Culinary Uses:
Can be used to flavor teas as well as candies and ice creams. The leaves can be added to dishes as a flavoring. A lemon balm pesto is a great topping for pastas and fish.
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics
Taste: Bitter/Sour/Sweet
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Drying
Traditional Medicinal Uses:
This plant has been shown to be effective in the treatment of herpes simplex. It is claimed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, make a good repellant for mosquitoes. Used as a mild sedative and calming agent, it has been shown to be effective at relieving stress, and to improve mood and mental performance. I have found a tincture made from Lemon balm to be a highly effective relaxant and calming agent. I have taken and witnessed a significantly lowering of my blood pressure. It has also shown promise in treating mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease. There is also evidence that Lemon Balm is effective in the treatment of Grave's Disease, or hyperthyroidism.
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
None Known
Possible Side Effects:
None Known
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Medicinal Actions:
Anxiolytic,
Hypnotic,
Nervine,
Relaxant,
Sedative,
Tonic: Nerve
Herbal Preparations For Melissa officinalis
Infusion
Part Used: Whole above ground flowering plant
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 ounces of the fresh chopped plant material into a quart mason jar, and fill the jar with almost boiling water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 2-4 oz As Needed
Tincture
Part Used: Whole above ground flowering plant
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 60%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Fill the jar to the neck with chopped fresh plant material. Now pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 250 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 50-100 drops as needed
Tincture
Part Used: Whole above ground flowering plant
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Place 150 grams of dried plant material into a quart mason jar. Now pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka or Everclear. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 50-100 drops as needed
