Lemon-Balm Tea

May 17, 2005

Lemon-Balm Tea

The multifaceted healing effects of lemon-balm teas were known as far back as the eighth century when Emperor Charlemagne ordered that the medicinal lemon balm, Mellisa officinalis, be grown in every garden. Known as a tonic that raises the spirits, the plant emits a fresh, lemony aroma when you rub it between your fingers. The essential oil in lemon balm-aldehyde (commonly known as citronella)- is responsible for the plant’s characteristic lemony aroma as well as its many medicinal properties. Lemon-balm tea is useful for alleviating nervous digestive and hart disorders and promoting sleep. Also known by the common names "gentle balm, garden balm" and "sweet balm. " the herb reduces menstrual cramps and calms tension headaches, migraines and gastrointestinal cramps The her is also beneficial for improving concentration and lifting depression

Preparation of the Tea:

The leaves of this herb have long been appreciated for their flavor. Pour a generous cup of freshly boiled water over 1-2 tsp. of dried lemon-balm leaves and steep, covered, for 10 min. Keep the leaves covered to prevent most of the essential oils from escaping. Drink a total of 3-4 cups over the course of a day, preferably before meals.

Therapeutic Effect:

The effect of lemon-balm tea is calming and relaxing. Its flavonoids strengthen the heart and circulatory system while the bitter constituents and tannins contained in lemon balm can soothe nausea, diarrhea and flatulence.

For your heart:

The combination of flavonoids and citronella has a strengthening effect on the nerves of the heart. Complaints such as heart palpitations and general feeling of nervousness may be soothed with lemon-balm tea. However, if these symptoms persist, contact a physician.

For gastrointestinal problems:

The agents in lemon balm help stimulate the production of gastric juice and bile in the body. These components also promote digestion and help resolve such complaints as burping, nausea and flatulence. Lemon-balm tea is particularly effective against stress-related conditions.

Daily Ritual:

Daily washes with a lemon-balm infusion can eliminate impurities of the skin. To enable the lemon-balm components to penetrate deeply, allow the treated parts to air day.

Medicinal Uses:

For stress at school:

Try giving a cup of lemon-balm tea to school children faced with tests; it will help them remain calm and receptive. Give your child 1 cup of the tea before and after school, as well as at bedtime. Sweeten it with a teaspoon of honey, if desired.

For abdominal cramps:

The antispasmodic effect of lemon balm may be felt in a warm immersion bath. Breifly boil 1 rounded cupful of fresh, or 2/3 cup of dried, lemon balm in 1 ;qt. of water. After approximately 15 min., strain the decoction into the bath. A 20-min. immersion bath will also help relieve menstrual pain.

For sleep disorders:

If you are anxious at night and can’t fall asleep or if you are often awakened by nightmares, prepare a large cup of lemon-balm tea and drink it in small sips. IT will calm overexcited nerves and allow you to get a food night’s rest.

For wound healing:

Lemon balm also has a slight antibacterial and antiviral effect, so the tea can be used externally to treat wounds that are slow to heal. Bathe the affected area frequently and let it air dry..

Healing Tea Mixtures:

Calming tea for children:

1 oz. lemon-balm leaves

1 oz. passionflower green parts

2/3 oz. chamomile flowers

2/3 oz. St. John’s wort

this tea has a calming effect and is helpful for difficulties in concentration of falling asleep. Mix herbs in 1 cup of boiled water, covered, for 10 min. Strain.

For stress-related gastrointestinal cramps:

1 oz. lemon-balm leaves

¾ oz. fennel seeds

¾ oz. peppermint leaves

1/3 oz. valerian root

This combination increases the antispasmodic effect of the individual plants. Mix herbs well. Steep 1-2 tsp. Of the tea mixture in 1 cup of boiled water, covered, for 10 min. Strain.

For nervous heart complaints:

1 oz. lemon-balm leaves

1 oz. hawthorn flowers

1 oz. chamomile flowers

1 oz. valerian root

This tea may be helpful for nervous heart complaints caused by stress or anxiety. Mix herbs well. Steep 1-2 tsp. of the tea mixture in 1 cup of boiled water, covered, for 10 min. Strain. Honey may be added for taste/

Before undertaking the advice contained here, you should consult with a health care professional, who can better assess your individual needs, symptoms and treatments.

~The Complete Guide to Natural Healing~

Brightest BlessingsAni