Lemon Balm(Melissa officinalis)

Common names:

Lemon Balm, Melissa, Sweet Balm, Honey plant, English Balm.

Description/Taxonomy:

Melissa officinalis is a member of the Lamiaceae family, also known as the mint family. Melissa originates from Southern Europe, but can now be found throughout much of the European continent, as well as many other areas around the world including North America and New Zealand.

Melissa is an erect herbaceous perennial that can grow 1 to 3 feet in height. The stems are square, which is typical of all plants in the Lamiaceae family. Depending on the growing conditions, the oval or heart shaped leaves can grow up to 4 inches across and 1 to 3 inches long and are scalloped along the edges. In late summer, Melissa shows its petite flowers, which are usually pale yellow, pink, or white in color. They appear in whorls around the top of the stem, with about 4 to 12 flowers in each whorl. When crushed, the leaves give off their delicious lemon aroma.

Cultivation:

Lemon balm is a fast growing perennial that is hardy to zones 4 through 9. It prefers moist, but well drained soil, and not too much direct sunlight, although it won’t suffer in full sun. It self-sows and spreads easily through underground root tubers after a few plants are established. You can sow the seeds directly in the soil in the Fall, or start them indoors in the Spring. The leaves are most flavorful just before the plant flowers.

When the plant is in full sun it is more compact and bushy. When it is in partial shade it becomes more sprawling. It can be harvested throughout the growing season by cutting the plant 6 inches above the ground. Lemon balm also has the added benefit that it attracts pollinators, which makes it a great asset to have in the garden.

History:

Lemon balm is a member of the Mint family and has been used and cultivated in the Mediterranean for about 2000 years. It originated in Southern Europe and was brought to Spain by the Moors in the 7th century. By the middle ages, it was cultivated throughout all of Europe.

It was first mentioned in medieval manuscript as “Herbe Melisse” in 1440. It’s botanical name, Melissa, stands for “bee” in Greek. Avicenna, a Muslim herbalist, recommended Melissa “to make the heart merry”.

The first century Greek physician Dioscorides wrote that lemon balm improves gout, promotes menstruation, remedies toothaches if mixed with wine and can treat scorpion stings and dog bites. The Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus (1493-1541) believed that lemon balm was an “elixir of life” and would increase strength and lengthen life. In Europe, it was also used to polish furniture and tossed on floors to freshen rooms. It was often used in church pews up until the 19th century.

Early colonists brought lemon balm with them to North America and used it to make potpourri and tea to attract honey bees for honey production. They also used it as a substitute for lemon in jams and jellies.

To this day, lemon balm is a common remedy that many herbalists keep in their apothecary for the treatment of nervous disorders and general relaxation.

Spiritually, it is said that lemon balm is known to balance feelings and emotions. It was used in ritual baths to invoke the Goddess, making you more appealing in the world of love and romance.

Spiritual Use:

Lemon balm has been associated with the feminine, the moon and water. It was considered sacred in the temple of the ancient Roman goddess Diana.

Parts Used:

Leaves

Herbal Actions:

Nervine: acts on the nerves.

Sedative: calming agent.

Mild Antidepressant: relieves feelings of depression.

Mild Antispasmodic: reduces voluntary or involuntary muscle spasm.

Carminative: gently calms the nerves and soothes an upset stomach

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration. Lemon balm is a relaxing diaphoretic as opposed to a stimulating diaphoretic. This is great for cooling a fever that is accompanied by irritability.

Antiviral: destroys or suppresses growth of viruses, generally by supporting the immune system.

Antioxidant: prevents free radicals or oxidative damage.

Energetics:

Cold, dry sour, slightly bitter

Medicinal Benefits:

It is most commonly used for stress, anxiety and depression due to its uplifting, yet calming tendencies. Especially when it is combined with other calming herbs like chamomile and california poppy, it helps to reduce anxiety and promotes sleep when insomnia is an issue.

Lemon balm is anti viral and may be beneficial when fighting the flu or to help heal cold sores and herpes.

Some recent studies show that lemon balm can help with secondary memory and the ability to learn, store, and retrieve information.

I love Lemon Balm as a sun tea!

Cautions and Contraindications:

Lemon balm is generally safe and tolerated by all ages but should not be taken if you have hypothyroidism or if you are pregnant, unless used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Dosage and Method of Delivery:

Tea: steep 2-3 tsp. per cup of hot water for 15 minutes.

Tincture: 1-2 droppersful, 2-3 times daily

Glycerin: 1-2 droppersful, 2-3 times daily

Vinegar: 1 Tbsp. daily

Topical: Crafted into an infused oil for massage or into a salve