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Picture courtesy Tammy Rodrigues
www.fromgardentotable.wordpress.com
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This fragrant herb is native to southern Europe (Mediterranean region) and western Asia and is classed as a ‘long life’ herb. The Carmelite nuns created an elixir tonic called Carmelite Water, using brandy, nutmeg, lemon rind, angelica root and the leaves of lemon balm. Lemon balm makes a delicious herbal tea and the leaves are refreshing when added to punches, fruit drinks, salads and fruit salads.
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Melissa, as it is often called, means ‘bee’ in Greek. Beekeepers
have grown lemon balm near to their hives for generations, as the tiny
white flowers produce an abundance of nectar and produce wonderful
honey. There is an old theory that if a hive is rubbed inside with
lemon balm leaves, it will never lose its bees. The refreshing
lemon-scented leaves are used to produce fragrant oils for the perfume
industry and are added to potpourri and placed in cupboards to keep
moths at bay. In the 17th century it was used to polish furniture.
Lemon balm is a safe and effective herb to treat babies and children
for hyperactivity, sleeplessness, colic and nightmares. For fretting
babies, use just a few drops of tea on the tongue. Lemon Balm is a
great natural remedy for various ailments. It is a most relaxing herb
and is an effective anti-depressant that is used to treat panic attacks
and a racing heart; as it dispels anxiety, tension and irritation. It
is an excellent digestive that is used to treat overindulgence,
indigestion, heartburn, colic and nausea. Use it to treat high blood
pressure, to assist with an over-active thyroid, insomnia, circulatory
problems, fever, flu, muscular pains, headaches, spastic colon and skin
ailments. Its cleansing and astringent properties make it an excellent
final rinse for the hair and face. Boil 1 cup of fresh leaves in 1
litre of water for 10 minutes before straining, bottling and storing in
the refrigerator. Use one cup in a basin of water as a rinse.
A standard herbal tea (infusion) is made by pouring one cup of boiling
water over a quarter cup of freshly chopped leaves; or 2 teaspoons of
dried herbs. Allow to steep for 5 minutes before straining and drinking
with a little honey and lemon juice, if preferred. Up to 4 cups per day
can be taken. Only use herbs if you are certain that it is the correct
herb and do not continuously drink the same infusion. Use for a maximum
of 10 days and then skip 5 days before resuming.
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, with woody stems and oval,
toothed leaves; with a strong lemon scent. It is easy to grow
throughout the country provided it can be watered regularly. It tends
to die down in winter, especially in cold regions but will re-shoot
vigorously in spring. Plant it in semi-shade to sun, in rich, moist
soil. Prune it occasionally in summer to keep it compact and neat.
Lemon Balm will grow up to 60cm tall if it is left un-pruned but can
easily be clipped to keep it lower. It seeds itself freely and will
grow from the smallest piece. If you do not want it to spread, prune it
in mid-summer, before it flowers, cutting the plant back to a few
centimetres from the ground. Lemon Balm is propagated by seed,
cuttings, or root division, in spring. Dry the leaves quickly in a dark
place to preserve their colour.
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Companion planting:
Plant Lemon Balm underneath fruit trees as it attracts pollinators like
bees. Lemon balm contains strong oils; that if combined with other very
strong smelling herbs like basil in herbal sprays, will keep aphids
away.
This website merely documents the history of plants and their uses and
is not intended for self diagnosis. Neither is it intended to replace
conventional medicine, especially for serious ailments. Always consult
with your physician before starting a home treatment programme. |
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