Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis or Melissa, as I affectionately call her, is one of my favorite herbs. She is easy to grow, possesses numerous medicinal benefits and is quite delicious. This year she is abundant in my garden and is compelling me to share her attributes with you.
Melissa may be planted in the spring or fall by transplanting a small plant or by seed. Plant it in full/part sun. I have had my best luck with a transplant from a dear friend’s garden. Melissa will quickly establish herself and provide you with tasty, lemony leaves that want to be harvested frequently. Make yourself a yummy nighttime tea of fresh Melissa and enjoy it before bed. It will help relax you and melt away the nervous tension of a busy, hectic day. Melissa is also known as an excellent anti-depressant. I put Lemon Balm in my very popular Peaceful Spirit Tincture, along with Passionflower, St. John’s Wort and Skullcap, a very effective formula used for anxiety and depression. Check out the link and read a testimonial.
In addition, a member of the Lamiacea (Mint) family; Melissa has helpful digestive properties such as calming an upset stomach, alleviating gas and minimizing colic. Kids love the taste of Lemon Balm and it is safe and effective for them.
I love to brew Melissa, either as a fresh tea by herself, or in combination with two other lemony herbs from our summer gardens. I harvest the bottom of the stalks of Lemongrass, decoct them, and then add fresh Melissa and fresh Lemon Verbena leaves. I let the three herbs infuse for about ½ hour. You will be rewarded with a delicious, healthful summertime tea that is delightful served iced or at room temperature.
Melissa may also be used to reduce fevers and treat tension headaches. It is useful as a diaphoretic for colds and flu. Melissa’s anti-viral properties may be used externally to treat oral herpes. To treat oral herpes, make a very strong infusion of the fresh leaves (infuse overnight) and soak a soft cloth in the infusion. Apply this preparation as a compress on the infection for a day or two to help heal the outbreak.
An Herbalist from medieval times said that Lemon Balm is distilled to strengthen the heart and lift the spirits. So be wise and plant some Melissa, harvest as needed, and frequently enjoy and benefit from her helpful, healing spirit.
