Lemon Balm Healing Benefits

Abundant in Northern Africa and Southern Europe, the lemon balm is a hardy Perennial Herb, known for its scented leaves and healing properties. It belongs to Genus Melissa of mint family lamiaceae, cultivated for more than 2000 years.

This herb is the main ingredient in Melissa tea, which is concocted particularly for longevity. Today, Melissa tea is still prepared in France for treatment of headaches and fatigue.

The plant itself can grow as high as one meter, and the leaves sprout in opposite pairs as the branches are angular. When bruised, the leaves—which are wrinkled and dark green or yellowish green in color—emit the lemon fragrance.

Their shapes are similar to mint’s leaves. They are harvested before the blooming season which happens from summer to autumn, the time when the herb blooms small white or light yellow flowers.

In ancient times, the herb plants were preferred by beehive cultivators, who used the leaves of the balm and crushed them. They then rubbed the crushed leaves onto the beehives to attract bees to come home.

It is also believed that these bees will bring in other bees as they come home to their lemon-scented beehives.

Herbalists extract oil from the balm and use it for treatment of wounds, palpitations by relaxing the heart, toothache, and other dental problems.

Even the nerves are relieved from the remedies brought forth by the balm. People who are affected by ennui will experience a lift in their spirits.

Digestive disorders too are soothed with the lemon-scented herbal remedy. It is said that the digestive system has a strong affinity with the herb.

Thus, it is efficient in relieving nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, colic, dysentery, and colitis. The bitter properties in the plant can also soothe the liver and gallbladder, thereby, enhancing the digestion in the stomach, and absorption of nutrients.

In some countries, the herb is concocted with other plants like chamomile, valerian, and hops to promote relaxation. It is also used in making creams to cure cold sores.

Another use of lemon balm is the preparation of supplements made from its leaves. The oil extracted contains terpenes, a type of plant chemical which is relaxing and anti-viral.

It also has tannins which contributes to lemon balm’s anti-viral properties.

And because it is lemon-scented, it has role in culinary too. Its leaves are attractive garnish that can be chopped and added for zest to sweet or tangy dishes.

The leaves go well with bay leaves, rosemary, allspice, and thyme. They are also nutritious add-ons on fresh green salads, fruit salads, herb butters, sorbets, and fruit drinks.

A lemon balm plant prefers rich and moist soil. Although it tolerates direct exposure to sunlight, it prefers to thrive in shade, which will help it grow larger and more succulent.

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