Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm: It "causeth the mind and heart to become merry and driveth away all troublesome cares and thoughts arising from melancholy and black choler..." wrote the famous British herbalist, Nicholas Culpepper in the 17th century. Lemon Balm was a symbolic plant used to transmit messages between lovers and also signified sympathy.

A loosely branched, upright perennial, lemon balm attracts attention by its scent rather than appearance. It is a member of the mint family. It has square stems and two-lipped white or yellowish tubular flowers in clusters. Touch the leaves and your fingers will smell of lemon with a hint of mint. Native to southern Europe and North Africa, it now grows wild and is cultivated throughout the world.

Studies have shown this herb can have a sedative effect on the central nervous system. The oil of lemon balm helps inhibit bacteria and viruses. It is a very gentle herb with a mint-like flavor. It has been used as a tea to treat many children's disorders such as colds and flus. It relieves anxiety and tension and is an excellent digestive relaxant.

More about the herb Lemon Balm