Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 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<javascript:ol “If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride, because it shows you trust in your own powers. Never bother about other people's opinions. Be humble and you will never be disturbed. Remember St. Aloysius, who said he would continue to play billiards even if he knew he was going to die. Do you play well? Sleep well? Eat well? These are duties. Nothing is small for God.” ~ Mother Theresa20th century humanitarian -- Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.11/264 - Release 2/17/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2007 Report Share Posted April 14, 2007 At 08:12 AM 4/14/2007, you wrote: >I just ordered Lemon Balm (Melissa) from www.herbco.com They are in >Santa Cruz California I've never ordered drien lemon balm...but when I used to grow my own, I was terribly disappointed in the dried herb... no flavor, no aroma. (And I don't think it was my method...the other herbs I dried were wonderfully aromatic and flavorful. So I'll be interested in hearing what others think of ANY dried Melissa from any source. Over 10 years online supplying Aromatherapy and Healthcare Professionals Essential Oils, Hydrosols, Accessories, Hard to find Books and Videos <http://www.naturesgift.com> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 15, 2007 Report Share Posted April 15, 2007 So I'll be interested in hearing what others think of ANY dried Melissa from any source. <I have it growing like a weed, but drying it just doesn't seem to do it for this herb. Following the example of Marilyn Jackson, I made a strong tincture last year. It seems to be rather potent and doesn't taste bad at all. Ien in the Kootenays http://freegreenliving.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 15, 2007 Report Share Posted April 15, 2007 Lemon balm looses most of its properties if it is air dried. The enzymes in the leaf destroy all the goodies. Only that which has been dehydrated properly and remains green after drying is any use. Making a fresh high alcohol tincture is great to drink The other good way to preserve it longer term is to freeze the whole leaves. Mmartin Watt , " Ieneke van Houten " <ienvan wrote: > > So I'll be interested in hearing what others think > of ANY dried Melissa from any source. > > <I have it growing like a weed, but > drying it just doesn't seem to do it for this herb. > Following the example of Marilyn Jackson, > I made a strong tincture last year. > It seems to be rather potent and doesn't > taste bad at all. > > Ien in the Kootenays > http://freegreenliving.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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