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Lemon balm is a member of the mint family. It makes a great tasting relaxing tea that is suitable for most everyone. It is easy to grow and prolific in the garden.
It is considered “sour” in flavour due to its lemony taste. It is cooling, calming and relaxing. It is particularly enjoyable in the summer - a fresh sprig added to water, allow to sit at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. It adds a lovely flavour. It is high in volatile oils that tend to dissipate on drying. The dried herb still makes a great tasting tea, however you will have lost much of that original scent. As such, it’s good to make a tincture or vinegar of the fresh plant in season, to have on hand as needed in your home medicine chest for simple cases of anxiety, nervousness or sleeplessness.
Being a relaxing diaphoretic, it is indicated in fevers, especially in young children to help calm and soothe. It is one of the key herbs in a Children’s Compound, together with chamomile, catnip and fennel that is used to ease digestive issues, fevers and general discomfort and irritability in children.
Being a visceral relaxant, it is helpful to soothe digestive issues, primarily through its effect on the autonomic nervous system.
It is said to gladden the heart. It is well indicated in cases of anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks and heart palpitations, and such can be helpful in adrenal “overdrive”, perimenopause and cases of hyperthyroid.
Some people caution against using it in hypothyroid conditions. Because it has been found helpful in cases of hyperthyroid, people assume it must be contraindicated if someone has tendencies to hypothyroid. Many herbs have what it called an amphoteric effect. Meaning, they help regulate or balance a certain organ or function in the body. Not pushing it excessively in one direction or the other. I see lemon balm in this category regarding the thyroid. As in any case, its more the case of an individual’s reaction to the plant that is most important. If you don’t feel well using lemon balm, don’t use it.
It has been found helpful used topically as an ointment in cases of cold sores.
It’s delicious aromatic scent makes it great for use in cooking. It can
be used to season foods, added to pestos and salads. Thanks to inspiration from Rosalee de la Foret, many recipes for lemon balm popsicles abound on the internet - a yummy and fun way to enjoy lemon balm in season with children.