The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies
Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis Lemon Balm is a perennial member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family with valuable healing properties. Sometimes called common balm or balm mint, it is naturalized in North America. I love the lemony scent that is released when I walk through a patch of lemon balm.
Identification: Lemon balm is a mint with shiny bright green leaves and a lemony scent. It may grow to 3 feet (0.9m) in height and is easy to cultivate in the garden. Its appearance is similar to mint or catnip, but the lemon scent is intense when leaves are disturbed or crushed. The leaves are small heart shapes with scalloped edges and a slightly crinkled surface. Small flowers are usually white to yellow but can be pink or purple.
think more clearly. It increases mental alertness and promotes a positive attitude.
Anti-Viral Effects: Herpes, Cold Sores, and Shingles: Lemon balm is known as an anti-viral and
as a tea, extract, tincture, oil, or ointment.
is effective against herpes and cold sores when applied directly to the skin. It acts against the herpes simplex virus and when used regularly, people report fewer outbreaks and fast healing of existing lesions. It also gives relief of symptoms like itching and burning. Try lemon balm essential oil or lemon balm ointment on herpes and cold sores. Apply several times daily or as needed. For shingles take a tincture internally as well as apply topically to the affected area.
Relieves Anxiety and Insomnia: Lemon balm
PMS Symptoms: Lemon balm reduces symptoms
Edible Use: The leaves are edible and often used to make tea and as a flavoring ingredient. It makes a delicious tea for medicinal or culinary use and is enhanced by the use of raw honey to sweeten it.
Medicinal Use: Lemon balm leaves are often used
acts to reduce anxiety and helps people get better sleep. It calms the body and improves mood and intellectual performance in children and adults without negative effects. For reducing the effects of sleep disorders, especially during menopause, try a combiLemon Balm Flowers, Gideon Pisanty, CC nation of lemon BY 3.0 balm and valerian. Lemon balm helps stop the constant flow of anxious thoughts. It also helps with ADHD and mild depression.
of PMS, including cramping, anxiety, and headaches. It works well for PMS in teenage and adult women. It is an anti-spasmodic.
Protects the Heart: Lemon balm, used regularly, lowers triglycerides and improves cholesterol synthesis. It controls heart palpitations and lowers blood pressure while protecting the heart. It controls the electrical pulses that drive heart palpitations, tachycardia, and arrhythmias.
Protects the Liver: Lemon balm protects the liver from some of the negative effects of the American diet. It supports the liver’s production of antioxidants and helps detox the liver.
Antibacterial and Antifungal: Lemon Balm oil has a high level of antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is particularly active against Candida yeast infections. Use lemon balm oil, tincture or extract twice a day.
Mind Calming and Clear Thinking: Lemon
Diabetes: Lemon balm oil, tincture and extract are
balm seems to calm the mind and allows people to
effective in preventing and treating diabetes. It helps
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