Page 99 - Lost Book Remedies

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. Some-
times called common balm or balm mint, it is natural-
ized 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 think more clearly. It increases mental alertness and
the lemon scent is intense when leaves are disturbed or promotes a positive attitude.
crushed. The leaves are small heart shapes with scal- Anti-Viral Effects: Herpes, Cold Sores, and
loped edges and a slightly crinkled surface. Small flow- Shingles: Lemon balm is known as an anti-viral and
ers are usually white to yellow but can be pink or pur- is effective against herpes and cold sores when applied
ple.
directly to the skin. It acts against the herpes simplex
Edible Use: The leaves are edible and often used to virus and when used regularly, people report fewer
make tea and as a flavoring ingredient. It makes a de- outbreaks and fast healing of existing lesions. It also
licious tea for medicinal or culinary use and is en- gives relief of symptoms like itching and burning. Try
hanced by the use of raw honey to sweeten it. lemon balm essential oil or lemon balm ointment on
herpes and cold sores. Apply several times daily or as
Medicinal Use: Lemon balm leaves are often used needed. For shingles take a tincture internally as well
as a tea, extract, tincture, oil, or ointment. as apply topically to the affected area.

Relieves Anxiety and Insomnia: Lemon balm PMS Symptoms: Lemon balm reduces symptoms
acts to reduce anx- of PMS, including cramping, anxiety, and headaches.
iety and helps peo- It works well for PMS in teenage and adult women. It
ple get better is an anti-spasmodic.
sleep. It calms the
body and im- Protects the Heart: Lemon balm, used regularly,
proves mood and lowers triglycerides and improves cholesterol synthe-
intellectual perfor- sis. It controls heart palpitations and lowers blood
mance in children pressure while protecting the heart. It controls the
and adults without electrical pulses that drive heart palpitations, tachycar-
negative effects. dia, and arrhythmias.
For reducing the Protects the Liver: Lemon balm protects the liver
effects of sleep dis- from some of the negative effects of the American diet.
orders, especially It supports the liver’s production of antioxidants and
during meno- helps detox the liver.
pause, try a combi-
Lemon Balm Flowers, Gideon Pisanty, CC nation of lemon Antibacterial and Antifungal: Lemon Balm oil
BY 3.0
balm and valerian. has a high level of antibacterial and antifungal activity.
Lemon balm helps stop the constant flow of anxious It is particularly active against Candida yeast infec-
thoughts. It also helps with ADHD and mild depres- tions. Use lemon balm oil, tincture or extract twice a
sion. 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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