How to Use Lemon Balm as Medicine

Also known as “heart’s delight” and “elixir of life,” lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a tasty member of the mint family that has been used medicinally for at least 2,000 years. It’s very easy to grow and will provide you with multiple plants in a short time, as it reproduces itself through seeds and root division. Laboratory studies have shown that lemon balm leaves contain compounds with sedative, digestive and anti-spasmodic effects. So in addition to lemon balm being a delicious tea, it can help you to sleep and settle your stomach. Recent studies have shown that the tannins in lemon balm can act as an astringent when applied externally and might be effective in fighting some surface viruses, such as herpes simplex. We will focus on how to make a tea and a tincture from lemon balm.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh or dried lemon balm leaves and flowering tops, if available
• Boiling water
• Teapot
• Clean glass jar
• Alcohol, cider vinegar or glycerin

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Instructions

How to make lemon balm tea

• 1

  Use fresh lemon balm leaves and flowering tops if available. If you use dried herb, use slightly less than fresh. For each cup of tea, place 12 fresh or dried leaves of Tulsi basil into a teapot or teacup.

• 2

  Allow your tea to steep for about 10 minutes, and then strain it and enjoy with sugar, honey, lemon, milk or other tasty additions. You can make a larger amount of tea if you wish and then drink the leftover tea for your dosage later that day.

• 3

  Lemon balm’s sedative effects are so mild that it is safe to give it to fussy children when they cannot sleep. Just heat some milk and add 2 tablespoons of lemon balm to each cup. Allow it to steep for about 10 minutes and then strain it and add honey, or whatever sweetener your child prefers.

How to make lemon balm tincture

• 4

  Tinctures are herbal extractions made with alcohol, cider vinegar or glycerin. They are simple to make and portable for people on the run or while traveling. First, fill a clean glass jar about half full with either fresh or dried lemon balm leaves.

• 5

  Fill your jar with vodka, rum, brandy, apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin.

• 6

  Shake the jar, label the contents (be sure to include the date), and allow it to sit in a cool, shady location for one month.

• 7

  Shake your brewing tincture at least once each day.

• 8

  After one month, strain your tincture and pour it in smaller glass bottles with dropper tops for ease of use. Take no more than three full droppersful three times each day. Discontinue use when your symptoms improve.