Medicinal plants: Lemon balm
Scientific name: Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm's species name, officinalis, indicates that the plant has long been an "official" herb of apothecaries. Its genus name, Melissa, derives from melisso-phyllon, a Greek term meaning "bee leaf". Anyone who has grow lemon balm knows that bees are very attracted tot his plant; it fairly hums with bee activity. Camouflaging its potent medicinal actions in sweet-scented leaves, lemon balm is considered one of the most important members of the large mint family. It is a features remedy for heart disease (and heartache), depression and anxiety, nervous disorders, and a host of viral and bacterial infections.
There are 3 or 4 species in the genus Melissa native to he Mediterranean region and Asia. Lemon balm is an erect herbaceous perennial that grows from 1 to 3 feet in height. The stems are either sparsely hairy or generally covered with small hairs. The opposite, toothed, broadly oval to diamond-shaped leaves are wrinkled and scalloped along the edges. When crushed, the fresh leaves have a distinctive, oily lemon scent, tho.ugh it loses much of its fragrance upon dying. Depending upon the growing conditions, the leaves may be up it 4 inches broad, and 1 to 3 inches long. The flowers-barely 1/4 inch long - are in whorls around the top of the stem, with 4 to 12 flowers in each whorl. The pale yellowish, pink, or white flowers appear in late summer.
Lemon balm's species name, officinalis, indicates that the plant has long been an "official" herb of apothecaries. Its genus name, Melissa, derives from melisso-phyllon, a Greek term meaning "bee leaf". Anyone who has grow lemon balm knows that bees are very attracted tot his plant; it fairly hums with bee activity. Camouflaging its potent medicinal actions in sweet-scented leaves, lemon balm is considered one of the most important members of the large mint family. It is a features remedy for heart disease (and heartache), depression and anxiety, nervous disorders, and a host of viral and bacterial infections.
There are 3 or 4 species in the genus Melissa native to he Mediterranean region and Asia. Lemon balm is an erect herbaceous perennial that grows from 1 to 3 feet in height. The stems are either sparsely hairy or generally covered with small hairs. The opposite, toothed, broadly oval to diamond-shaped leaves are wrinkled and scalloped along the edges. When crushed, the fresh leaves have a distinctive, oily lemon scent, tho.ugh it loses much of its fragrance upon dying. Depending upon the growing conditions, the leaves may be up it 4 inches broad, and 1 to 3 inches long. The flowers-barely 1/4 inch long - are in whorls around the top of the stem, with 4 to 12 flowers in each whorl. The pale yellowish, pink, or white flowers appear in late summer.
Growing Habits:
Historically, fresh crushed lemon balm leaves were rubbed in an empty bee step to attract a swarm of bees to the hive. Worker honeybees have a pheromone-releasing gland at the tip of the abdomen called the Nasonov gland, which releases a scent used to mark good sources of food. Lemon balm contains some of the same chemical constituents as those released by the honeybee's scent.producing Nasonov gland.
Originating from southern Europe, lemon balm is now found throughout much of the European continent as far north as England, Sweden, and east to central Russia. It is widely naturalized in North America, found in most eastern states and Canadian provinces. In California, it is commonly naturalized in coastal plant stretches and becomes leggy with large leaves, giving it a different appearance than if grown in the sun. However, simply stroking the lemon-scented leaves makes it easy to identify.
Cultivation and harvesting
Lemon balm is an easy-to-grow perennial. Fragrant and flavorful when fresh, it is a good plant to have in the herb garden or on a porch, where leaves can be plucked to make a pleasant hot or iced tea. It is propagated by seeds, stem cutting, or divided clumps. Once established, it self-sows freely. Seedlings can be replanted or potted as gifts for family and friends. It prefers a relatively rich, moist, well-drained garden soil,though it is adaptable. In full sun it has a compact, bushy growth, in partial shade of becomes more sprawling.
The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season, or, just before flowering, cut the plant 6 inches above ground, then tie in a bundle and dry. It dries quickly and easily. Most commercial production is on a relatively small scale for local consumption. It is grown in Eastern Europe for export.
Therapeutics uses:
Once referred to as the gladdening herb, this gentle member of the mint family has been used to relieve stress and anxiety for millennium. European and German authorities approve the use of lemon balm for tension, anxiety, and poor sleep. Studies in children and adults confirm that the combination of lemon balm and valerian, also prized as a calming agent, reduces restlessness and improves sleep. A study in people with Alzheimer's disease found that lemon balm extract decreased agitation and improved cognition when taken internally. Even the topical application of lemon balm essential oil produces a calm affect in elders with dementia.
Lemon balm is also a digestive aid suitable for all ages. Lemon balm gently relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. The European and German health authorities approve lemon balm for minor gastrointestinal spams and for easing bloating and gas. A study of 93 breast fed babies with colic found a combination of lemon balm, fennel, and chamomile decreased crying time by more than double compared with the babies receiving a placebo over a period of one week. Studies in adults of lemon balm in combination with other herbs have shown that it eases indigestion.
Lemon balm's rich concentration of volatile remedy for stomach distress and nervous exhaustion. It also functions as a mild sedative, especially helpful for insomnia caused by grief and sadness; blend lemon balm with passionflower and a small amount of lavender buds and drink a cup or two a couple of hours before bedtime. Lemon balm is high on the list of herbs commonly used to treat heartache and depression.
Lemon balm is a beloved herb for children. It can calm a restless child and is a know aid for ADD and ADHD. It's also helpful for soothing children with recurring nightmares, just give a small dose before bedtime.
Another are of exciting research is the use of lemon balm extract for the treatment of oral herpes, or fever blisters. Scientist have identified several compounds in the herb that block the herpes simplex virus.
How to use:
Tea: Pour 1 cup boiling water water over 5 to 6 fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon dried leaf and steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Strain. Add honey or stevia if desired. Delicious with mint. Drink several times a day.
Tintures and extracts:
Widely available. Use as directed
Lip ointment:
Lemon balm ointments can be found at many health food stores and pharmacies. Apply as directed.
Safety factor:
Lemon balm is considered a thyroid inhibitor; those suffering from hypothyroidism or low thyroid activity should use it only under the guidance of a health-care practitioner.
Cultivation and harvesting
Lemon balm is an easy-to-grow perennial. Fragrant and flavorful when fresh, it is a good plant to have in the herb garden or on a porch, where leaves can be plucked to make a pleasant hot or iced tea. It is propagated by seeds, stem cutting, or divided clumps. Once established, it self-sows freely. Seedlings can be replanted or potted as gifts for family and friends. It prefers a relatively rich, moist, well-drained garden soil,though it is adaptable. In full sun it has a compact, bushy growth, in partial shade of becomes more sprawling.
The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season, or, just before flowering, cut the plant 6 inches above ground, then tie in a bundle and dry. It dries quickly and easily. Most commercial production is on a relatively small scale for local consumption. It is grown in Eastern Europe for export.
Therapeutics uses:
Once referred to as the gladdening herb, this gentle member of the mint family has been used to relieve stress and anxiety for millennium. European and German authorities approve the use of lemon balm for tension, anxiety, and poor sleep. Studies in children and adults confirm that the combination of lemon balm and valerian, also prized as a calming agent, reduces restlessness and improves sleep. A study in people with Alzheimer's disease found that lemon balm extract decreased agitation and improved cognition when taken internally. Even the topical application of lemon balm essential oil produces a calm affect in elders with dementia.
Lemon balm is also a digestive aid suitable for all ages. Lemon balm gently relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. The European and German health authorities approve lemon balm for minor gastrointestinal spams and for easing bloating and gas. A study of 93 breast fed babies with colic found a combination of lemon balm, fennel, and chamomile decreased crying time by more than double compared with the babies receiving a placebo over a period of one week. Studies in adults of lemon balm in combination with other herbs have shown that it eases indigestion.
Lemon balm's rich concentration of volatile remedy for stomach distress and nervous exhaustion. It also functions as a mild sedative, especially helpful for insomnia caused by grief and sadness; blend lemon balm with passionflower and a small amount of lavender buds and drink a cup or two a couple of hours before bedtime. Lemon balm is high on the list of herbs commonly used to treat heartache and depression.
Lemon balm is a beloved herb for children. It can calm a restless child and is a know aid for ADD and ADHD. It's also helpful for soothing children with recurring nightmares, just give a small dose before bedtime.
Another are of exciting research is the use of lemon balm extract for the treatment of oral herpes, or fever blisters. Scientist have identified several compounds in the herb that block the herpes simplex virus.
How to use:
Tea: Pour 1 cup boiling water water over 5 to 6 fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon dried leaf and steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Strain. Add honey or stevia if desired. Delicious with mint. Drink several times a day.
Tintures and extracts:
Widely available. Use as directed
Lip ointment:
Lemon balm ointments can be found at many health food stores and pharmacies. Apply as directed.
Safety factor:
Lemon balm is considered a thyroid inhibitor; those suffering from hypothyroidism or low thyroid activity should use it only under the guidance of a health-care practitioner.
