Luscious Lemon Balm
This week I would like to feature Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)!
Lemon balm is a lemon-scented herb in the mint family with various uses, including culinary, medicinal, and ornamental. It's known for its calming properties and potential to alleviate anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances. Lemon balm is also used in traditional medicine for indigestion, cold sores, and other ailments which benefit from its calming effects.
I will be the first to admit that when I started on my herbal path, I did not like lemon balm… It reminded me of polishing the furniture as a child and the smell offended me! The first time I saw its purpose was when we planted it next to our wash station at the Davidson College Farm. We would rub our hands on the plant and then on our arms and faces to repel insects! It worked great. Then our banquet chef used it in a salad dressing for the Farm Formal and I was hooked!
I now go into the garden to gather fresh bunches, stuff them into a ball mason jar, and pour hot water over them and wait… It is one of my favorite teas for the summer. I let it cool and add honey and sip away! I also take it daily as an extract for its antiviral properties.
I am working with a glycerin extraction for those who prefer to not have alcohol. Glycerite’s are also a great way to introduce children to taking herbs!
I have saved many articles, recipes and ways to use lemon balm over the years and would love to share a few here:
This arcticle details benefits of lemon balm, and includes recipes for tea, tincture, and more!
Here is a recipe for a lip balm that employs lemon balm’s antiviral effects to fight and prevent cold sores.
If you’re a baker, check out these lovely recipe for lemon balm cake, or these cookies, which are similar to the recipe we share for our chocolate mint cookies!
