The Medicinal Benefits of Lemon Balm

By Rose Swartz March 30, 2023 30 mins read 52 Views

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Lemon balm's medicinal benefits

Written and photographed by Juliet Blankespoor

The following excerpt is from my debut book, The Healing Garden. It is a peek at a chapter that I wrote. A copy can be purchased wherever books are sold. More information about the book and its bonuses can be found here.

Lemon balm ( Melissa Officinalisspan styling="font-weight 400 ;">) brightens gardens and kitchens. For its positive effects on the spirit, this mint family medicinal is called the "gladdening herbs". Its sunny scent and sweet flavor are a favorite with children. The herb is also loved by bees, so the Greek name for the herb, Melissa, for bees, is also used.

Balm's origin is similar. It is derived from balsam (a plant or an application that has healing or restorative properties). Long-standing research has shown that lemon balm can increase vitality and prolong life. Paracelsus, a Swiss alchemist, called it "the elixir span>

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Medicinal Uses for Lemon Balm

MEDICINAL PREPRATIONS: Salve, pesto and finishing salts.

ACTIONS Hypnotic, carminative and antiviral, as well as antibacterial, anxiety, antioxidant, and diaphoretic

ENERGETICS Cooling, slightly drying

Lemon balm has both soothing and uplifting properties. Tea is the best tea for its nervine properties, as the essential oils of the herb gently waft from the cup. It is gentle and comparable to mint (Mentha species). ), linden (Tilia spp. ), and linden (Tilia spp. Lemon balm can be used to relieve tension headaches, anxiety and restlessness. As a stress tonic, combine it with milky oatmeal (Avena Sativa), ashwagandha(Withania somnifera), or skullcap (Scutellaria Lateriflora).

Lemon balm is a carminative that soothes gas and bloating. It's especially helpful when it comes to stress-related issues. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), mint (Mentha spp. Lemon balm is a delicious digestive tea that can be enjoyed by all ages. You can drink the tea while breastfeeding to soothe colic and calm your baby.

Lavender ( Lavandula anigustifoliaspan style="font weight: 400 ;">)) play a prominent role in the centuries-old herbal cleanser known as Queen of Hungary’s Water. Rose (Rosa) is also used in this garden cosmetic. Calendula (Calendulaofficinalis), rosemary, salvia rosmarinus, sage (Salviaofficinalis), elderflower and Sambucus.nigra var. canadensis), and comfrey, (Symphytum nigra var.) infused in a base made of vinegar or witch-hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) extract. It is an antioxidant and toner that is also astringent. The queen was said to have looked so happy by the fragrance elixir that it attracted the attention a man nearly fifty years younger than her.

Warnings: This herb can lower thyroid levels. Talk to a doctor before using it.

How to Grow & Harvest Lemon Balm

ZONES 4-10, full sun to partial shadow

SOIL pH 57.5; fertile soils that have good drainage

SIZE 1-2ft tall, 1-2ft wide

LIFESTYLE: Herbaceous perennial

Lemon balm is a wonderful herb, and it's a shame to think of a garden without it. The plant will become weedy if it is not cut back before the flowers set seed. Mulch is used to prevent dirt from splattering onto the leaves, spreading soil-borne diseases.

Plant the herb in partial shade if you live in hot and humid areas. It will produce larger and more delicious leaves. Lemon balm will thrive in full sunlight if it is in a cooler area. Although its leaves will be smaller than if it is in the warmer regions, they will still be very aromatic. Wet soils can cause the plants to die in the northern regions of lemon balm's distribution. This can be prevented by ensuring adequate drainage.

The plants can be given a regular haircut to keep 6 inches of growth. This will allow you to harvest multiple times. Lemon balm can oxidize and turn a unsavory brown color if it is too piled up. Hang the lemon balm in bundles, or dry on screens. Lemon balm is not as durable as dried herbs. You can use the lemon balm's aroma to help you determine when it is no longer potent. The tender, new growth from the spring is perfect for culinary uses, such as pesto.

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Culinary Uses for Lemon Balm

Lemon balm leaves are aromatic and minty with a tart, minty taste. Lemon balm can be used in sweet or savory dishes, just like citrus. The tender leaves can be added to salsas, compound butters and pestos. You can also mince them and use them in fruit salads, jams, cookies, scones and whipped cream. Summertime: Add a few sprigs of rosemary to a pitcher of water, or a carafe with white wine. Let infuse for at least one hour before you enjoy.

Learn more about how to use lemon balm medicinally, and how to grow its green glory.

More information about lemon balm can be found in my book Healing Garden: Cultivating, Handcrafting Herbal Remediesspan styling="font-weight 400 ;">! There are many more herbal recipes, as well as detailed cultivation and medicinal profiles for over 30 healing herbs.

Your copy can be purchased anywhere books are sold. Visit The Healing Garden Gateway to learn more about the book and the amazing bonuses it offers.

Meet the Green Mastermind Behind Blog Castanea

JULIET BLANKESPOOR, the creator, primary instructor and Creative Director of The Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine is an online school that serves thousands of students around the world. With a degree as a botanist and more than 30 years of teaching and writing experience in herbalism, medicine-making, and organic herb cultivation, she is a bonafide plant geek and professional matchmaker. Juliet's passion for medicinal herbs and herb gardening over her entire life has led to many botanical businesses, including a herbal nursery and farm-to-apothecary herbal product business.

Today, she channeled her botanical obsession through writing and photography. She has her own blog Castanea and her online programs. Her new book, The Healing Garden, is her first book. Juliet lives with her family in Asheville North Carolina, in a house stuffed full of books and houseplants.

Are you interested in contributing?

(c) Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine, chestnutherbs.com. 2011-2022. It is strictly forbidden to use or duplicate this material without the express written permission of its author. Excerpts or links can be used provided that Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine is given full credit and chestnutherbs.com is referred to with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Do you want to learn more about medicinal herbs and how they are used?

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The post The Medicinal Benefits of Lemon Balm appeared originally on Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mother of all herbs?

The answer may surprise you!

It is a common garden herb known as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary has long been associated with fertility, longevity, and protection from illness. In some cultures, it was believed that the fragrance of rosemary could ward off evil spirits.

As such, it has been used for centuries in various medicinal, culinary, and spiritual applications. Rosemary has a unique flavor that pairs well with many dishes, making it a popular choice in the kitchen. Its fragrant leaves also add flavor to sauces, herbs, and meats.

Rosemary is a powerful medicinal herb used throughout the centuries to treat various ailments. Rosemary essential oil can treat respiratory tract infections, digestion problems, skin irritation, and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful in treating headaches and muscle pain as well. In addition, the oil has been used to improve cognitive function and memory recall. Rosemary can also be taken as a supplement, tea, or tincture for its many benefits.

It's no wonder rosemary is known as the mother of herbs! It truly is a versatile and valued herb.

Which spices from the kitchen are used to cure diseases?

There are more than 4000 medicinal plants that are widely distributed throughout the world. Some of these plants contain active compounds that may help treat various ailments.

In India alone, there are more than 1000 species of herbs that are used for medical purposes. This includes Ayurvedic medicine, Unani medicine, Siddha medicine, Homeopathic medicine, and Chinese medicine.

The most common ingredient found in these medicines is ginger. Ginger contains volatile oils that give it its aromatic flavor. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful against arthritis, fever, vomiting, and indigestion.

Ginger also helps relieve nausea and stomach cramps caused due to pregnancy. Pregnant women often consume ginger tea to reduce morning sickness. Ginger is also commonly used for cough and cold relief.

Another spice that is known to have medicinal value is turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin which has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. This makes it an effective cancer treatment.

Turmeric is also considered to be very beneficial for joint health. It relieves inflammation and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also believed to prevent osteoporosis.

Garlic, too, is another herb that is extensively used in traditional medicine. Its healing qualities include treating infections, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes and even reducing cholesterol levels. Garlic oil is also used to treat wounds and insect bites.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic that fights bacteria and viruses. The antibacterial property makes it ideal for treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

It is also helpful in preventing urinary tract infections.

Other spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cayenne, mustard seeds, fennel, and coriander are also used to treat different illnesses.

What is the difference between "regular" and smoked paprika powder?

Regular Paprika Powder (Piment d'Espelette) is an essential ingredient for our recipes. We use it for its intense flavor and color. It's also used as a spice and seasoning agent. Smoked Paprika Powder (Paprika Chorizo) adds a smoky taste and aroma to dishes. Both types of Paprika Powder come from Spain, where they grow the best peppers in the world.

Smoked Paprika Powder (Chorizo Paprika) is made from red peppers, which are dried slowly in special ovens. This gives them a rich flavor. They are then ground and mixed with salt, garlic, and spices.

Regular Paprika Powder (Espelette Paprika) is made by grinding green bell peppers without additives.

What is the difference between basil and oregano?

Both of these herbs belong to the Lamiaceae family. They share similar flavors, but the differences are obvious.

Oregano is more pungent than basil. It also adds an extra layer of flavor to foods.

Basil leaves are smaller than oregano leaves. They are also softer and less aromatic.

The two herbs are often used interchangeably. Although they are quite similar, each has its distinctive qualities.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

Statistics

The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.
The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.

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How To

How do I know if my herbs have been treated with pesticides?

If you see a pesticide label on your herbs, the plants were sprayed with chemicals before being sold to you.

These chemicals harm human health and could cause cancer or other serious illnesses.

Unfortunately, this practice has become common around the globe. Many countries allow farmers to spray their crops with pesticides without proper regulation.

In order not to harm themselves, consumers should always ask about the source of their produce. If it comes from a farmer near you, it’s safe to assume it was not treated with pesticides.

However, there are still ways to ensure that your herbs are free from harmful chemicals.

However, if you want to ensure that your herbs aren’t contaminated, you can purchase organic herbs directly from the farm.

This way, you won’t need to worry about the safety of your herbs. You can trust that they weren’t exposed to harmful chemicals.