LEMON BALM is beautifully calming and uplifting and one of nature’s best nervine herbs. Here are just a few ways to get to know it.
Grow lemon balm in the ground or in pots. It's easy to grow, even from seed, and attracts bees. Melissa comes from the Greek “bee.” In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who Zeus turned into a Queen honey bee as a thank you for saving him.
Steep the fresh leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes before drinking. Experiment by adding lemon or honey.
Place the fresh leaves in cool water and enjoy the lemon minty flavor; add cucumber, berries, or other mints to the infusion.
Chop fresh leaves and sprinkle on salads .
Create a pesto with the fresh leaves.
Take some fresh leaves, dry them, and place dried leaves in a sealed jar to use for future tea making.
Learn how to make an extract - tincture or glycerite - from the fresh leaves or purchase an extract for an easy, grab-and-go preparation.
Magically, lemon balm is known to influence love. Carry the herb with you to find love.
Make the “Queen of Hungary’s Water,” a nice astringent for the face and also used as a hair rinse, foot bath, and more. Lemon balm is the main ingredient (others include chamomile, rose, calendula, comfrey leaf, lemon peel, rosemary, sage, rose water, and vinegar). For a full recipe, check out R. Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Radiant Health.
Create a bug spray repellent made with fresh lemon balm and witch hazel extract.
As with any herb, remember the safety considerations. While this is a safe herb, great for adults and children, there are cautions for those with low thyroid.
In peace, Sally
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