How to Make Lemon Balm Infused Oil

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb in the mint family that is easy to grow, spreads quickly and smells of a lemon aroma. Lemon balm works well for external application when infused into a carrier oil. Lemon balm infused oil can be used medicinally for the following external uses:

*Many types of herpes including shingles (herpes zoster)
*Insect bites and rashes
*Antiviral when applied to skin

Things You'll Need

• Lemon balm (dried or fresh)
• Olive oil
• Glass mason jar with a lid that will hold at least 2 cups.

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Instructions

• 1

  Chop 3/4 cup of fresh lemon balm, or 1/8 cup of dried lemon balm. A food processor can be used to chop the herb. Place the chopped lemon balm in a sterile glass jar.

• 2

  Add 1 cup of olive oil.

• 3

  Seal the jar with a tight fitting lid. Label the jar "lemon balm oil" and record the date on the jar.

• 4

  Place the jar in a sunny location for 2 weeks. Shake the jar daily.

• 5

  After 2 weeks has passed, strain the lemon balm from the oil with cheesecloth. Discard the lemon balm plant.

• 6

  Place the lemon balm oil in a dark colored glass bottle with a tight fitting lid. Write "lemon balm infused oil" on the container and write the date on the outside of this bottle as well. Store in a cool, dark, dry area between uses.