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Lemon Balm / Melissa (Melissa officinalis) Print E-mail

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In the Garden | Culinary | Fragrance | Medicinal use

Popular garden varieties

Lemon Balm

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In the Garden

Growth Characteristics:

  • Perennial, Deciduous, Frost hardy,
  • Plants will die back during winter, but established plants will regenerate in spring,
  • Height: ± 60cm; Spread: ± 1m,
  • Regular clipping is necessary to promote a bushy plant and control spread,

Cultivation:

  • Full sun; Well drained, composted soil,
  • Avoid a shady area as the plant will become infected with fungal diseases during the raining season,

Harvesting:

  • Pick fresh leaves throughout the year,

Companion Planting:

  • Makes a good liquid manure when steeped in rainwater and allowed to decompose,
  • Attracting Beneficial insects:Outstandingly attractive to BEES, so plant where bees are needed to pollinate other flowers.
  • Plant it around beehives and rub on beehives before introducing a new swarm.

Repellant for:

  • Take a handful of chopped leaves and make an infusion in boiling water, allow to cool and soak area around plants infected with red spider mite,

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Culinary use

Fresh leaves give a lemon flavour to:

  • Salads,
  • Chicken, Fish, Game, Lamb, Poultry, Pork,
  • Custards, Fruit salads, Fruit drinks, Soups, Sauces, White sauces for fish, Herb Vinegars, Mayonnaise, Sauerkraut, Jellies, Wine cups,
  • Tea: Use leaves, light lemon flavour,

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Fragrance
  • For a soft lemon fragrance in Potpourri and Herb pillows,
  • Use a strong infusion with bathwater, as a facial steam and as a rinse for greasy hair,
  • Use in Herbal Bath Smoothies,

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Medicinal use

The London Dispensary , in 1696: "Balm, given every morning, will renew you, strengthen the brain and relieve languishing nature."

Lemon Balm may be beneficial in the following cases:

General
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (herpes simplex virus has been suspected of contributing to CFS) - antiviral, Melancholy,
  • Tonic,
  • Recently a Japanese research group isolated 6 major antioxidant compounds from Lemon Balm, one a new compound about 10 times as potent as vitamins C and E.
  • Tumors, Cancer, Mouth canker sores,
  • Contains Rosmarinic acid: antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Dizziness,
Nervous System
  • Nervine, Neuralgia,
  • Muscle relaxant: relieves tension (migraine) and stress reactions. Encourage relaxation and act as a tonic to the nervous system. Headaches,
  • Throporestorative (like oats),
  • Anxiety induced palpitations and insomnia, benefit ADD,
  • Mild sedative, anti-depressive, Hysteria,
  • Insomnia: Combine very well with Valerian,

 

Endocrine System

  • Hyperthyroidism,
  • Grave's disease - inhibits the receptor binding and biological activity of imunoglobulins in the blood of patients with Grave's disease - a condition resulting in Hyperthyroidism,
Skin
  • Vulnerary, insect bites, urticaria (anti-inflamatory),
  • A lotion based extract for skin lesions of herpes simplex - antiviral,
  • Cold sores - internal and external (5x per day),
  • Shingles - external and internal (Herpes zoster),
Lymphatic System
  • Anti-microbial,
  • Anti-viral: herpes simplex (cold sores, genital herpes), mumps,
  • Anti-bacterial / viral: ear infection,
Respiratory System
  • Chronic bronchial catarrh,
  • Diaphoretic: Feverish conditions as in influenza, flu and colds,
  • Sore throat - streptococcus infection (tea / gargle),
  • Antihistamine properties - allergies,
Cardiovascular System
  • Mild vaso-dilation of peripheral vessels - acting to lower blood pressure, in combination with lowering stress and muscle tension.
  • Heart palpitations,
Liver
  • Hepatic,
Digestive system
  • Carminative: flatulent dyspepsia (especially when associated with anxiety or depression),
  • Anti-spasmodic, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colic,
  • Nausea,
  • Yeast growth,
Urinary System
  • Urinary infections,
Reproductive System
  • Emmenagogue, Menstrual cramps,

 

Musculo / Skeletal System

  • Reduces muscle pain, cramps,

 

Preparation and dosage:

TEA:

  • 2-3 tsp of dried herb or 4-6 fresh leaves per cup boiling water,
  • Infuse for 10 - 15 min.
  • Take up to three times per day.

TINCTURE:

  • 2-6 ml, 3x per day,
  • Gentle enough for babies and children at half the recommended dose.

COMBINATION:

  • Digestive trouble: Hops, Chamomile, and Meadowsweet
  • Stress and tension: Lavender and lime blossom, Valerian,

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Add marjoram to Italian cooking. Similar to oregano, use marjoram as a replacement in sauces that include oregano such as pizza and spaghetti sauce. Choose to use marjoram fresh, but for a stronger taste dried marjoram is best.

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