Saturday, October 22, 2011

Key Benefits of Lemon Balm Herb


Herbs such as basil, garlic, thyme are common herbs used in various cuisines and its benefits to health.  Many have not discovered Lemon balm  herb  can help in everyday health problems including stress. 

Image via Wikipedia

Lemon Balm herb (Melissa officinalis) is from  the mint herb group with its origin in Mediterranian places way back 2000 years ago.  This is   also commonly called “Honey plant herb”.  Its genus name Melissa came from the Greek word “bee” while  officinalis derived from its place in the official apothecary.  Balm is a shortened word for “balsam”.  

Lemon balm was awarded as “Herb of the Year 2007”, Culinary chefs and herbalists tops lemon balm as their choice because of its many uses in the kitchen and medicinal benefits. Among other herbs, lemon balm  citrus fragrance soothes the garden atmosphere.  Both ancient and modern herbalists aggress on the scientific result for the medicinal uses of it.

Here are some of the many uses of Lemon Balm:
Mild sedative aromatic effect that relaxes the nerves of the body.

Act as a decongestant and antihistamine which is  good for those who have asthma and allergies.

It is claimed to have antibacterial effect that lowers fever or body temperature.  Aside from preparing it as a tea, it can also be included in hot soups.

Use for cleaning sores and cuts.

Treatment to regulate menstruation.

Lemon balm essential oil is used in aromatherapy massage.

Lemon has insect-repellant  effects.  If use as an ointment, good for insect bites and stings.



Take 1-5 leaves from the  Lemon balm tree and prepare as a common  tea.  Hot or cold are both excellent drinks with this herb.  Dried leaves can be preserved in a glass tight container.

Precautions:  For those with thyroid medication (thyroxine), consult your doctor before taking this herb.  This can inhibits the absorption of the medicine. 

Read about   "How to Start a Gardening Herb Collection for Your Kitchen"

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