Field Notes:
Lemon Balm 🌿
Lovely Lemon Balm, Melissa Officinalis
So gentle and easy to love… Always there for you from the first days of spring through the depths of winter. Brings a soft lemony delight to every cup of tea. Calms the nervous system, brings clarity and focus to the mind & uplifts the spirit all while providing gentle digestive support.
As a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, she happily grows in abundance with her enchanting fragrance. I highly recommend having her around. Plant in a nice big pot or a dedicated space in the ground and she will come back to greet you with her loving presence year after year!
I love to infuse the leaves fresh or dry in water and enjoy sipping on her delicate, sweet & ever-so-slightly-sour essence. Perfect on a warm summer day over ice to cool you down or as my favorite nightcap, paired with milky oat tops, a spoonful of honey & a splash of milk to wash away the stress of the day.
Taste:
Sweet, sour
Energetics:
Cooling
Ruling Planet:
Jupiter
Ruling Element:
Air
Nervous System
As a nervine, Lemon Balm soothes frazzled nerves while replenishing & strengthening the nervous system. I’ll include it’s Nootropic action in this category ~ bringing focus to a scattered/frazzled mind.
Digestive System
Like it’s fellow mints, a gentle carminative to ease wind, bloating, cramping & spasms.
Relaxant Diaphoretic
An interesting action of Lemon Balm ~ A marked fever remedy that works to cool the internal temp and move blood flow to the periphery, releasing heat through the relaxed pores of the skin. Especially indicated for children because of it’s pleasant taste (compared to most other fever remedies).
Anti-Viral
Lemon Balm Offerings:
Lemon Balm Single-Plant Tincture
Lunar Lemon Balm & Sacred Clove Candle
Favorite Preparations
Traditional Herbal Water Infusion
Add 2-4 heaping tablespoons of dried or a handful of fresh Lemon Balm to a jar & pour over just boiled water, cover & steep 10 minutes, strain, add a spoonful of honey & enjoy hot or over ice. *Coarsely chop fresh lemon balm to release the essential oils*
Tincture
Take 2-4 droppers full 3x/day or as needed.
FYC Summer Mocktail
Herbal Lemonade
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Soothing Facial Cleanser
1/2 cup of Lemon Balm infusion, cooled (you may also add chamomile and/or lavender)
1/2 cup unscented liquid castile soap
1 tbsp. of Calendula Infused Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil or any other cold-pressed oil (you could even use Goddess Oil here)
1 tsp. raw honey
6 drops of Vitamin E oil
Combine all ingredients & add to a glass bottle with pump!