Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis
Lemon Balm, also known as Melissa, helps clear the mind, strengthen the heart and is uplifting to the spirit.
Melissa is a Greek word meaning "honey bee". Officinalis indicates that the plant is medicinal in nature.
This member of the mint family with its lemon aroma, has been recognized for both its soothing smell and medicinal qualities as far back as the ancient Greeks. In the Elizabethan times, Londoners carried Tussie Mussies filled with Lemon Balm and other sweet smelling herbs and flowers. Lemon Balm was said to renew life, strengthen the brain and drive away sadness.
Today Lemon Balm is still a main ingredient in Potpourris. But its use has grown due to its therapeutic properties. Most often it is used for relieving cold and flu symptoms and reducing fever. But research has shown Lemon Balm's strong anti-viral properties are a great relief even for Oral and Genital Herpes. Used topically, it can cut the healing time down drastically including the size and frequency of the out breaks.
Lemon Balm is easy to grow, likes most soil types and can quickly take over any garden. Dead head to keep the plant healthy and to slow its self propagation down. It does great planted in containers and then can be easily moved indoors for the winter. However, in mild climates simply cut the long dried out stems down to the ground and wait until spring for signs of new growth.
Harvest the fresh leaves throughout the growing season for teas, salads and use as a garnish. These fresh leaves have a stronger flavor but can also be dried for use throughout the year.
Lemon Balm strengthens the immune system, helping the body prevent infection and disease. It has a reputation as a cure all, so it is a great addition to almost any aromatherapy and herbal blend. Stock up for the eventual cold and flu season.
Lemon Balm relaxes and restores the nervous system. It is great to aid sleep at night but it is also beneficial for other nerve disorders including fainting, hysteria and migraine headaches. Its antispasmodic properties effect the entire body, but are often used for the digestive and reproductive systems, aiding nervous stomachs, indigestion, cramping, gas and colic. Lemon Balm is safe for children and is on the FDA's list, generally recognized as safe.
Lemon Balm also supports women & PMS issues by regulating the menstrual cycle, easing cramping and bloating and its antidepressant properties helps with emotional upsets.
Medicinal Properties include: Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Antihistamine, Calmative, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestion, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Nervine, Stimulant, Sedative relaxes peripheral blood vessels, relaxing restorative for the nervous system,
Dried Herb Usage
Tea - Drink for colds, fever, indigestion, PMS and insomnia.
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried crushed herbs per cup of boiled water. Steep 10 minutes.
Skin - Use Lemon Balm floral water for a lightly astringent facial steam, or to help heal allergic skin rashes. Rub fresh leaves on the skin to treat cold sores, insect bites and for a natural mosquito repellent. Careful, can attract bees.
<X-TAB> </X-TAB>Poultice- Apply to help heal wounds, insect bites and reduce swelling.
Bath - Its antihistaminic abilities make it beneficial to allergy sufferers and those that suffer from upper respiratory difficulty. Make a strong infusion then add to bath water. Also great for purifying baths.
Potpourri - A great addition of scent to any potpourri or Tussie Mussies.
Culinary - Use fresh leaves in salads, salad dressings or as a garnish. Add chopped leaves to the last few minutes of cooking fish and chicken or sprinkle over vegetables.
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Recipes
Lemon Balm Floral Water
1 quart boiled water
1/4 cup dried Lemon Balm
Let steep 10 minutes, cool then strain. Will last up to 7 days. Use this as a base recipe for all Lemon Balm infusions.
Lemon Balm & Chamomile Compress
1 quart boiled water
2 Tbsp dried Lemon Balm
2 Tbsp dried Chamomile flowers
Pour boiled water over herbs, Let steep 10 minutes, cool then strain.
Soak wash cloth in mixture apply to affected area. Use hot for healing sores, wounds, cuts and scrapes. Use cold to relief skin irritations and to reduce inflammation. Great for nervous headaches.
Lemon Balm Iced Tea
1 bunch (1-1/2 to 2 ounces) fresh Lemon Balm
1 small lemon, thinly sliced
4 mint tea bags
2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons honey
4 cups cold water
Combine all ingredients in a teapot, reserving 6 sprigs of Lemon Balm for garnish. Pour in boiling water. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Stir in honey. Cool to room temperature. Strain into a pitcher and Refrigerate until serving time.
TO SERVE Garnish with reserved Lemon Balm.
Lemon Balm Spritzer
Refresh your skin on a warm day.
Mix 1/4 cup of Lemon Balm leaves with 1 cup of warm, not boiling water. Steep 5 minutes. Strain. Add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel. Place mixture in a spray bottle and mist your skin throughout the day. Make fresh daily. For added pleasure, chill in the refrigerator.
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Ease The Stress
- Reduce Stress While Traveling
While it can be exciting to get away from your normal routine, responsibilities and environment from time to time, traveling can create a lot of stress. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, with a little planning ahead, your stress can be reduced or even eliminated.
Much of your planning will depend on whether you are traveling by air or ground. There are many things you can do regardless of your method of travel. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Make eating a priority because food is your body's fuel. Try not to skip meals (especially breakfast) because eating provides energy, maximizes your performance and improves your overall metabolism.
Opt for healthy food choices to sleep better, fight driving or flight fatigue and increase your physical stamina. Avoid sugar, fat, caffeine and high calorie foods and beverages. Eat fresh fruit instead of processed food when possible. Select high fiber foods and snacks. Drink more water.
Pack your own emergency refueling kit. Try fresh or dried fruit, raw veggies, nuts, fruit juice, etc. The contents are only limited by your imagination.
Go one step further and pack a stress relief kit for your journey. It might include Chamomile or another soothing herbal tea. Bring an eye pillow (chill before hand if possible). Always carry a few of your favorite essential oils for a variety of purposes ranging from first aid, stress relief, headaches, clarity and much more. Simply adding a drop of Lavender essential oil to a clean handkerchief or tissue and breathing in the aroma can greatly help you relax.
Diffusers are an excellent way to disperse essential oils into stuffy hotel rooms and make them smell great. Try Lemon, Orange or Peppermint in a portable electric diffuser that plugs into the wall or try an auto diffuser to keep you calm and alert while driving.
Wear loose comfortable clothing while traveling. Tight or constricting clothing will only increase discomfort.
Use the proper size luggage for your trip. If your bag is too big, it will allow your items to move around, making damage and wrinkles more likely.
Make a list in advance of all the items you want to bring on your trip. The list should include your driver's license, insurance cards for both medical and auto insurance, traveler's checks, medications, credit cards, travel maps and brochures and so on. It is also a good idea to have several one dollar bills for tipping opportunities.
Bring along a plastic trash bag to keep dirty clothes separated from the clean ones.
Unpack as soon as possible and hang wrinkled items in the bathroom while you shower to help steam out the wrinkles.
These are just a few of an infinite number of suggestions to help cut stress from your travels. Personalize to suit you, your specific needs, and your particular situation. With a little planning, there are many things you can do to ease your stress while traveling. So plan ahead, relax and have fun wherever your travels may take you.
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Tea of the Month - Lemon Balm Herbal Tea
Lemon Balm, also known as Melissa, is a refreshing tea that is increasing in popularity. It contains a volatile oil that soothes the entire nervous system and is useful for relieving menstrual cramps, insomnia, upset stomach and colic in babies.
Lemon balm's unique scent and flavor add lemon and mint undertones to many recipes. The tea is also good for fevers, colds and headache.
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