Herb of the Week for 24th August by Lynn
Kirkland
Calming Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis is the botanical
name of this lemon scented member of the
mint family.
Lemon balm does not disappear completely
during its dormant phase and already the
new growth is appearing inviting you to
make it into a refreshing cup of tea.
It is a balm to mind, body and spirit.
When taken as a tea it it helps bring
about a more positive feeling.
Of course you can use lemon balm tea bags
however if you have the herb growing why
not make it with fresh leaves.
Pick about three to five leaves per cup
and pour a cup of boiling water over and
cover the cup or pot they are in. Leave
to infuse for five to ten minutes and
add honey if you want to sweeten the tea.
This delicious tea will make you feel
refreshed and if drunk at night will encourage
a deep and relaxing sleep.
Apiarists used to plant lemon balm around
the hives and rubbed the inside of the
hives with crushed leaves. This was to
encourage the bees to return to the hive.
In fact the Greek word for bee is Melissa
so this seems to be the reason for the
botanical name for lemon balm.
When you see officinalis as part of a
herb name it means that it has been recognised
as having medicinal properties.
It is a prolific grower however if it
is getting out of hand in a small area
it does pull out easily. We love its generous
growth habit and make a tincture of lemon
balm when it is at its most perfect. This
is added with two other relaxing herb
tinctures, lavender and hops to a bath
blend we make. We add beautiful relaxing
essential oils to make a blend which ensures
total relaxation and encourages a deep
and blissful sleep.
Thanks lynn another great
read.
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