Description :
Lemon balm is an upright, bushy perennial. Its somewhat hairy leaves are light green, shaped like an arrowhead, and coarse in texture. Lemon balm grows to between 10 and 24 inches tall and about as big around. Its flowers may be white, pale yellow or pink. Lemon Balm has a fresh, citrus scent. It is very prolific and is easily grown in well drained soil in cooler climates. In Ancient Greece, Lemon Balm was often taken internally as tea or tincture, Lemon Balm was thought to be useful as a heart tonic and to help reduce high blood pressure, headaches and migranes. Externally, it was often used on cold sores caused by the herpes virus to shorten the healing time, though this is all currently unconfirmed by the FDA.
History and Folklore:
Lemon Balm dates back over 2000 years to the ancient Greeks and Romans. It’s name, Melissa officinalis, is derived from the Greek word Melissa, meaning honeybee. It was brought to North America by the early English settlers and is said to have been present in Thomas Jefferson’s garden.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the leaves, just before the plant flowers in the Spring. Be Warned, this plant really wants to spread EVERYWHERE, containing it will be difficult and we wish you luck :)!
Precautions:
Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if on thyroid medication.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Antiviral, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Nervine, Vaso Dilator
Other Names:
Balm Mint, Bee Balm, Blue Balm, Cure-all, Garden Balm, Honey Plant, Melissa, Sweet Balm, Sweet Mary
Ingredients: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
*This statement has not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
Jonathan –
theveronakid (verified owner) –
Jean Harmon (verified owner) –
Part of the Thyroid Calm bundle for a client.
But I have also tried it for insomnia. And it’s working.