Have You Heard of Lemon Balm?

I found this article about the benefits of Lemon Balm very interesting. Being a fan of natural, organic/herbal remedies and health aids, I was surprised to find how little I knew about this plant.


Lemon Balm
By Eric Cho

Lemon Balm, or Melissa officinalis, is a sweet-scented
perennial found in southern Europe, with a striking name that
makes it ideal for cosmetic use. But is there more to this lemon
balm than meets the eye?

Lemon Balm Facts

Melissa officinalis is particularly apt to describe lemon balm
– 'Melissa' is a Greek translation meaning 'honeybee' for its
yellowish colour, and 'officinalis' denotes an engrained linkage
with medicine and therapy, which reflects lemon balm's usage for
assisting with a number of conditions. Lemon balm has been used
for thousands of years as a stimulant and sedative, and it is
frequently used in herbal teas for its calming abilities.

What does Lemon Balm Look like?

Despite its natural origins, lemon balm has been artificially
spread across the world, and has adapted perfectly to a variety
of climates and soil types. Lemon balm is so called for the
distinctive lemon smell emitted when the yellowish leaves are
picked. The leaves themselves usually form toothed heart shapes,
which bloom later on in the year from mid summer to late autumn.

Lemon balm has been cultivated across the world, and survives
in a range of different conditions. It was introduced to most of
Europe by the Romans, and now survives in moist lowlands and dry
mountains alike, adapting to the various conditions to which it
is subjected. Its bright yellow, golden leaves make it a firm
favourite with decorative and landscape gardeners, whilst
physicians and alternative therapists appreciated the healing
properties it can offer.

Benefits of Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is used largely to promote relaxation and sleep.
Beyond that, it can be used in a number of treatments to help
relieve painful symptoms. Vomiting, menstrual cramps, irregular
digestion and even vertigo can be helped by lemon balm, which
was used by the Romans to revive spirits after battle, and to
boost morale. Furthermore, recent research has shown that lemon
balm might actually be useful in treating nervous disorders
through acting on and soothing specific sections of the brain.

Additionally, lemon balm can also be used for cooking with fish
and poultry, and is great as a liqueur. Why not try a marinade
of lemon balm and other herbs for white meats, or frying some
lemon balm in the pan alongside a tuna steak? Its strong
flavours work perfectly alongside fish to add a further
dimension and enhance the taste of the meat.

Lemon balm can be drunk as a tea to help curb different
sickness symptoms. To make lemon balm tea, add a teaspoon to a
cup of hot water (short of boiling) to help relaxation.
Additionally, a spoonful of peppermint works well to enhance the
effectiveness of this tea. Alternatively, why not try infusing
30 oz ground lemon balm to one and a half pints of boiling water
for five minutes? Add honey to sweeten to create an herbal
remedy that works ideally for treating digestive disorders and
complaints.

Drinking lemon balm is also thought to slow the signs of aging
and promote longer life through regular use, in addition to
clearing the digestive tract and promoting quicker metabolic
function. It can also be made into a cordial over fifteen days
with a collection of other herbs, such as mint, sage and basil,
and alcohol to help treat indigestion and heartburn.

About the Author: Lemon Balm Herbshttp://www.naturalherbalism.com/L/Lemon_Balm.html
Source: http://www.isnare.com