Tea For Nervous Tension

August 23, 2005

1 1/3 oz. St. John's Wort

1 oz. Lemon Balm Leaves

1 oz. Valerian

Use 1 tsp. of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10

min., strain, sweeten if necessary. Drinking a cup of this tea before

going to bed each night for several weeks will calm overwrought

nerves, lift depression, and help you fall asleep more easily.

--

Diana Gonzalez

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is

carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a

life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown

August 28, 2005

I am hoping someone here can help me.... I have Lemon Balm Growning

in abandance here and I was hoping to use it in the winter, do you

think I could use it in teas such as this one with dried Lemon Balm

leaves?

Would the potency be altered if I dried them or would freezing be

better if I were to use the leaves for teas?

Thanks!

Leesy ;-)

-----------------------------

, Jose and Diana Gonzalez

<joseanddiana@g...> wrote:

> Tea For Nervous Tension

>

> 1 1/3 oz. St. John's Wort

> 1 oz. Lemon Balm Leaves

> 1 oz. Valerian

>

> Use 1 tsp. of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water. Steep for

10

> min., strain, sweeten if necessary. Drinking a cup of this tea

before

> going to bed each night for several weeks will calm overwrought

> nerves, lift depression, and help you fall asleep more easily.

>

> --

> Diana Gonzalez

>

> Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is

> carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously -

live a

> life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

> -Unknown

August 28, 2005

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is an attractive herb with yellow or variegated leaves smelling strongly of lemons. It reaches a height of 3 feet with a spread of 2 feet. The oval, almost heart-shaped leaves have slightly serrated edges and a pronounced network of veins; they can be up to 2½ inches across. The flowers, which bloom from mid- to late summer are yellow-white to rose colored or even bluish. Lemon Balm is a perennial that can reach up to 3 feet high. It needs full sun and rich soil with regular watering. .Blooming from about July to August. Gather the leaves flowers and stems as soon as the flowers begin to open.

Cultivation:

Seeds are slow to germinate and are so fine that they hardly need covering at all. An alternative method of propagation is to take cuttings in late spring and root them in water. Plant in warm, moist soil in a sunny location. Good sun and moisture are necessary for the production of essential oil and good fragrance. Cut back to soil level in the fall to encourage strong growth. The plant will not tolerate high humidity. Lemon Balm performs well in containers.

MEDICINAL:

Lemon Balm is used to treat children with fever, flu, and colds. In adults, it treats colds, headaches, depression, menstrual cramps, insomnia, and nervous stomachs. It has also been used to treat hyperthyroidism (Grave's disease), herpes simplex, and indigestion. The crushed leaves are applied to wounds and insect bites to aid in healing. The essential oil, also known as Melissa, is used in aromatherapy to ease depression.

Lemon balm makes a wonderful extract as well, made with alcohol or glycerine. Typical strength is 1:2, which means one part fresh plant by weight to two parts alcohol or glycerine by volume. Macerate the fresh herb and liquid in a blender on high with the lid on. Pour the blended pulpy mass into a mason jar and seal it. Allow it to sit for at least two weeks, then strain, and bottle it. Average dose is 10- 50 drops of extract.

Magickal:

Lemon Balm is used in spells to bring Animal healing, compassion, endings, fertility, happiness, healing, longevity, love, mental, prosperity, psychic, release, success, and youth.

Balm was planted by ones front door to drive away evil spirits. It was also used to draw bees to the hive. Lemon Balm was a very Works well in amulets for good luck, and metal clarity. Lemon balm burning in as an offering on you altar greatly enhances your state of meditation. Soak in wine for 3 hours, remove and serve wine to friends and loved ones. A sacred Herb to the temple of Diana, used medicinally by the Greeks 2,000 years ago.

CULINARY:

Fresh leaves can be added to salad or used in egg dishes and can be used to make sauces for fish, poultry and pork. Dried or fresh the whole plant is used to make cool refreshing drinks or warm relaxing teas.

http://gypsygrl65.tripod.com/thecottagejune2001issue/id11.html<http://gypsygrl65.tripod.com/thecottagejune2001issue/id11.html>

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."-- Mahatma Gandhi

-

Eleasah

Saturday, August 27, 2005 10:05 PM

Re: Tea For Nervous Tension

I am hoping someone here can help me.... I have Lemon Balm Growning in abandance here and I was hoping to use it in the winter, do you think I could use it in teas such as this one with dried Lemon Balm leaves? Would the potency be altered if I dried them or would freezing be better if I were to use the leaves for teas?Thanks!Leesy ;-)----------------------------- , Jose and Diana Gonzalez <joseanddiana@g...> wrote:> Tea For Nervous Tension> > 1 1/3 oz. St. John's Wort> 1 oz. Lemon Balm Leaves> 1 oz. Valerian> > Use 1 tsp. of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10> min., strain, sweeten if necessary. Drinking a cup of this tea before> going to bed each night for several weeks will calm overwrought> nerves, lift depression, and help you fall asleep more easily.> > -- > Diana Gonzalez> > > > > Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is> carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a> life of serenity, not a life of regrets.> -Unknown