[Herbalist] Lemon Balm and Other Silliness

[Christine Seelye-King]

One of the historical uses of lemon balm is for melancholy, histeria, any
kind of mood swings or excesses.  It makes a very calming tea, and is an
ingredient in many modern sleep remedies.
Here is the page on it from one of my classes.
Christianna

LEMON BALM 							Labiatae Family
	Melissa officinalis

History of the Name:
 Melissa  is Greek for “Bee”.  Bees are attracted to it.

Characteristics and Native area
Native to Southern Europe, it was spread by the Romans.

Major Uses:
Used for its mild sedative effect on the central nervous system.  The tea is
used for anxiety, depression, and melancholy.  Used to induce sweating for
fevers and regulating menstuation.  Used to counteract fainting and
dizziness.  Oil of Lemon Balm seems to inhibit bacteria and viruses.
Steamy lemon balm facials are used for acne.  Fresh leaves rubbed on
furniture make a nice furniture polish.  Used as an insect repellant, but it
attracts bees.  Lemon balm tossed on a fire will repel bugs from those
standing around it.

Culinary Uses:
Lightly lemony taste, with a hint of mint.  Dried leaves are used for tea.
Recipe from Culpepper “ A tansy or caudle made with eggs, and juice thereof,
while it is young, putting to some sugar and rosewater, is good for a woman
in child-bed
”

Historical Uses:
Mentioned in the Odyssey, Dioscoridies used it to treat dog and scorpion
bites.  Paraclesus called it “Elixir of Life”.  One of the earliest known
medicinal herbs.  Arabs used it for heart disorders, as well as for lifting
the spirits.  Culpepper says “it causes the mind and hearth to become merry
and reviveth the heart.”  He advised that it be used as a cure-all syrup “to
relieved the weak stomachs and sick bodies of their poor and sickly
neighbors.” Pliny said that it was of such “great virtue that though it be
but tied to his sword that hath given the wound, it stauncheth the blood”.
And a 15th century Polish saying goes “the country housewife carried it in
her apron pocket when going to market to sell her eggs and butter,
believeing it would bring buyers ‘swarming around her, like bees in a hive’
.”