Once established, this is a drought tolerant species, it is a useful plant to try in difficult dry places, usually succeeding in the dustiest of soils once it is established. It prefers a light rich moist soil,a warm position and partial shade. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Melissa officinalis for nervousness and insomnia (see for critics of commission E).Ī very easily grown plant, it succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny sheltered position. It is used to relax and rejuvenate, especially in cases of depression and nervous tension. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. The plant also contains polyphenols, in particular these combat the herpes simplex virus which produces cold sores. The essential oil contains citral and citronella, which act to calm the central nervous system and are strongly antispasmodic. The plant can be used fresh or dried, for drying it is harvested just before or just after flowering. Externally, it is used to treat herpes, sores, gout, insect bites and as an insect repellent. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and colds, indigestion associated with nervous tension, excitability and digestive upsets in children, hyperthyroidism, depression, mild insomnia, headaches etc. It also acts to inhibit thyroid activity. The leaves and young flowering shoots are antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative, and tonic. Modern research has shown that it can help significantly in the treatment of cold sores. Lemon balm is a commonly grown household remedy with a long tradition as a tonic remedy that raises the spirits and lifts the heart.
Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.Īntianxiety Antibacterial Antidepressant Antiemetic Antispasmodic Antiviral Aromatherapy Carminativeĭiaphoretic Digestive Emmenagogue Febrifuge Sedative Tonic Other products in this group are.Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. This product is subject to group discount if you are buying multiple products from the same pricing group. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. Bees love it - works well planted around beehives!Īs with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.Can ease morning sickness and be useful during menopause (as it can relieve hot flushes).Said to be effective for insomnia and unsettling dreams.Said to be effective for an over active thyroid.Can be use to calm and uplift tensions.Can be made into tea to relieve chronic bronchial catarrh, feverish colds and headaches.Fresh leaves can help with insect bites or sores.Lemon balm is the main ingredient in Chartreuse!.Infuse leaves for melissa tea or float in Indian tea.Can be added to fruit salads, jellies or fruit drinks.Good for being chopped into white sauces to accompany fish.It is recommended that you cut the plants back once they have flowered.Invasive herb (so we would recommend you grow in a pot).It is said to help slow down and possibly relieve the onset of Alzheimer disease five leaves in hot water is claimed to be a memory restorative and gives a sense of well-being for those suffering from stress! Strong, square stems with a lovely lemon smell. London Dispensary said in 1696 that 'Balm given every morning, will renew youth, strengthen the brain and relieve languishing nature.'