Lemon Balm
Melissa
officinalis
Other Names: Sweet balm, Lemon Balm, Garden Balm,
Melissa.
Habitat: The name Melissa comes from the Greek
meaning Bee, which indicates this herb's long-recognized fine bee-attracting
capacity. For this reason it was an old favorite for planting around hives. John
Gerard mentions that in the sixteenth century the leaves were even rubbed upon the
hives in an effort to keep the bees happy. The plant possesses a short root and a
squarish stem (when cut sectionally) with joint pairs of toothed, heart-shaped, or
oval leaves sprouting on either side of it. Both the leaves and the creamy yellow
flowers give off a strong lemony smell when crushed. Though the leaves and stems die
off each year, the root is perennial, which makes it a good choice for your herb
garden. It will thrive in any type of soil, and can be grown from seed, seedling,
root division in spring or fall, or cutting (if you are clever). Like most of the
simples, it requires the absolute minimum attention : just make sure it has enough
water, gets weeded from time to time, and has its straggling dead wood cut back in
the fall. (You might also want to stir the earth between its roots once or twice a
year).
Properties: Balm has been used from time
immemorial as a wound dressing, for it is rich in ozone and therefore strongly
antiputrescent It also makes a flavorful and mildly sedative tea to aid in opening
the pores to reduce fevers produced by Flu or chest colds.
BALM TEA: Infuse 2 teaspoons dried herb in 1
covered cup boiling water for 15 minutes (Or 1 ounce herb to 1 pint boiling water if
a larger quantity is required). Strain, and flavor with sugar or honey and a twist
of lemon, if desired, before drinking.
More Lemon Balm
Information and Pictures
Copyright 1996, 1998 by Lori Herron, R.N.and Alternative Nature
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