Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is known for its calming effects and lemony flavour. It has been used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that lemon balm can soothe symptoms of stress, improve mood, and aid in relaxation. Its mild lemon aroma makes it a popular herb for flavouring foods and beverages. Lemon balm is known for its versatility in soap making, where it can be infused to create a refreshing scent. Lemon balm is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It helps clear up blemishes, and spots and is known to help minimize the appearance of blocked pores. Overall, lemon balm is a versatile herb that can be used in many ways to promote relaxation and improve overall well-being. Lemon balm is a popular herb with various uses for yourself, your family and your home. Read on…
We sell lemon balm soap in our online shop:
Lemon balm can also be used to make furniture polish. Drying your lemon balm leaves and infusing them with coconut or olive oil will make your wood surfaces sparkle.
LEMON BALM FURNITURE POLISH
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp dried lemon balm
- 1 oz jojoba, olive or coconut oil
- 0.15 oz beeswax
- Lemon essential oil, optional
Instructions:
- Place dried lemon balm and oil in a small 250ml jar. Set the jar in a saucepan containing 1 to 2 inches of water. Heat over a burner on low for 1 hour.
- Strain out the lemon balm and pour oil into a small 250ml jar.
- Add beeswax, return the jar to the pan with water, and on low/medium heat melt beeswax pellets.
- Remove from heat and add essential oil if you choose to do so.
- Allow to cool before placing a lid on.
- Use scraps of cloth, t-shirts, linens etc. and rub a small amount into your wooden surfaces, furniture, rolling pins and cutting boards.
- Buff using a clean rag.
One of the most common uses of lemon balm is in tea. Lemon balm tea is known for its calming effects and ability to promote relaxation. It has been used to relieve anxiety and stress, promote sleep, and aid in digestion. Research has also suggested that lemon balm may have antiviral properties and can help to boost the immune system. To make a tea simply collect fresh lemon balm.
LEMON BALM TEA
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup chopped lemon balm leaves
- 1 cup hot water
- Add honey to taste.
Directions:
- Chop lemon balm leaves to release their oils and place them in an infuser.
- Heat water and pour over the leaves.
- Let steep for 10 minutes.
- Cover cup
- Remove the infuser and add honey to taste.
Lemon balm is also available in supplement form, which can be taken to help with anxiety, induce sleep and boost your mood.
Note that lemon balm is not safe for thyroid issues, as it can affect thyroid function. Otherwise, it is a safe herb.
Additionally, lemon balm can be used topically to help with cold sores, insect bites, and other skin irritations. To make a salve to use on your skin, for blemishes, dry skin, cuts and grazes have the following:
LEMON BALM SALVE
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of beeswax
- 2 tablespoons of Jojoba
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- ½ tsp of Lemon balm oil (not essential oil)
- Small glass jar or tin for storage
Directions:
- Melt the wax with the jojoba oil and olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in lemon balm oil.
- Transfer to a small glass jar. Allow to cool before placing a lid on.
Lemon balm grows anywhere with good soil and sunlight. It can be grown in pots (which will help contain the rampant growing plant) or planted directly into your garden and it’ll spread quickly. You can forage fresh leaves, chop them up and add them to a salad. Lemon balm also dries nicely, so you can store it for the winter to use in cooking or adding to soaps, salves, natural wood wax etc. The fresh balm is better than dry, it loses its fragrance in drying. This is one plant you cannot go without in your garden.