Lemon Balm “causeth the mind and heart to become merry…” – Nicholas Culpeper
Nicholas Culpeper certainly knew what he was taking about.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is also very commonly known as Melissa or Sweet Melissa. Melissa is the Greek word for bee.
It has been used for thousands of years in many forms of herbal preparations. Dioscorides used it to treat snake bites, and today’s herbalists use it for a variety of ailments.
Lemon balm herb and it’s natural herbal preparations are some of the best healing remedies to have on hand in your natural first aid kit.
The dried herb can be used as a tea for anxiety, tension and stress. Being a member of the mint family,it can be used for upset stomach and flatulence.
Lemon balm ointment, oil, cream or salve can be used on insect bites, cuts, scrapes and wounds. It is best known in recent years for the natural healing of herpes and herpes cold sores.
It is easily grown by seed, or cuttings and propagates profusely if left alone in the garden. Lemon balm can also be grown indoors as a pot herb for year round use.
