Lemon balm, Balm, Melissa

Melissa officinalis Labiatae/Lamiaceae

Botanical description: A perennial plant growing up to 30 cm. The leaves are heart shaped, ttoth and very wrinkled. The flowers are white/pale pink. It is native to the Mediterranean but naturalized in Ireland. It can be propagated by division and self seeds readily.

Part used Dried aerial parts, gathered before flowering. Harvesting Time When flowering, usually July and August. A second crop may often be harvested later in the summer. Some authors recommend harvesting just before flowering

History/Folklore/Taste/Energetics The species name Melissa is the latin name for a honey bee since the plant is much loved by bees.The Romans soaked the leaves in wine to treat scorpion stings and venomous bites. Pliny recommended planting balm near hives and a Dr. Losch recommended rubbing the inside of hives with Melissa to prevent the bees from vagabonding. The Elizabethans used the plant in salads, for tea and to flavour wine. It had a reputation for renewing youth even up to the 18th century.. ; aromatic,sour, bitter, cooling.

Constituents

Essential oil rich in aldehydes, Flavonoids, Triterpenes, Polyphenols, Tannins

Actions:

Carminative, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Sedative, Antiviral effect against herpes viruses, Nervine

Traditional and current uses

  • Flatulent dyspepsia and digestive problems of nervous origin
  • Neurasthenia
  • Depressive illness, calms the central nervous system
  • Poly phenols are generally anti-viral, but particularly against herpes, both cold sores and genital herpes. Reduces healing time and reduces frequency of attacks
  • Inhibits thyroid function
  • Colds and flus as a tea
  • Hysteria and shock
  • Lowers blood pressure and can help reduce palpitations
  • Increases bile production dramatically
  • Traditionally considered to lift the spirits - ‘chase away black humours’ and encourage longevity
  • When cutting back the plants, infuse the trimmings and add this to a bath for a beautifully relaxing experience
  • Has been researched as a possible preventative of Alzheimers and dementia
  • Insect repellent
  • Macerated oil for tension, depression or chest complaints externally
  • Compresses for gout and painful swellings of the joints

Makes a beautiful tea when the fresh herb is used. The leaves can be used in salads and chopped into butter to serve with fish or chiken.