Get To Know Lemon Balm -

🌿 Identification of Lemon Balm

Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Appearance:
- Height: 1–3 feet (30–90 cm)
- Leaves: Bright green, ovate with slightly serrated edges, deeply veined, and emit a strong lemon scent when crushed.
- Stems: Square-shaped (typical of mint family).
- Flowers: Small, pale yellow to white (sometimes light pink), appear in late spring to summer, not especially showy.
Scent: Strong lemon aroma, especially when leaves are bruised.
Habitat: Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean but naturalized worldwide; thrives in temperate climates, prefers sun to partial shade.

Ancient Greece & Rome: The Greek physician Dioscorides recommended it for calming nerves and treating wounds.
Middle Ages: Used in “melancholy” (depression), stress, and heart tonics. Monks in European monasteries cultivated it in physic gardens.
Avicenna (Persian physician): Praised it for “making the heart merry” and as a treatment for sadness and fear.
Carmelite Water: A famous 14th-century elixir made with lemon balm and alcohol by Carmelite monks to treat nervous tension and digestive issues.
Victorian Era: Infused into teas and balms for nervous disorders and anxiety.

One of lemon balm’s most common modern uses.
Acts as a mild nervine (calms the nervous system).
Shown to reduce stress, restlessness, irritability, and mild depression.

Often used in herbal formulas for insomnia or to help improve sleep quality.
Synergistic when combined with valerian root or passionflower.

Some studies suggest lemon balm may improve focus, alertness, and memory, especially in low doses.
May benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease or age-related cognitive decline.

Traditionally used to relieve indigestion, bloating, nausea, and gas.
May soothe upset stomach due to stress.

Shown to have effectiveness against herpes simplex virus (HSV), especially in topical treatments (e.g., for cold sores).
Used in salves and creams for this purpose.

Has antispasmodic properties—can help with menstrual cramps, muscle tension, and headaches.

Generally safe for adults and children.
Avoid high doses if hypothyroid (may mildly suppress thyroid function).
Essential oil should always be diluted; can be irritating in pure form.
May interact with sedatives or thyroid medications—check with a healthcare provider.

Charlemagne ordered lemon balm to be planted in every monastery garden in his empire.
Paracelsus called it the “elixir of life” and claimed it could rejuvenate the mind and body.
Mentioned in Shakespearean herbal lore as a herb of cheerfulness and strength.

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Make the Herbal Infusion:
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Pour over lemon balm leaves in a heatproof container.
- Cover and let steep for 30–60 minutes (or until cool).
Strain the Liquid:
- Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all plant material.
- Discard or compost the used herbs.
Mix the Repellent:
- Combine the strained lemon balm tea with witch hazel in a spray bottle.
- Add essential oils (if using). Shake well.
Label & Store:
- Label the bottle with contents and date.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (or longer if using alcohol instead of witch hazel).