The herbs shown below match your search for 'Lemon Balm'. Please remember that you cannot simply stuff
a bunch of herbs in your mouth and feel better. Some are taken orally, but many are taken topically. Incorrect
dosage or application can be harmful. Once you have found a herb that appears
to meet your needs, you should seek expert advice before attempting to use it!
Pagan Network News - SabbatFull Herb List
Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis (Labiatae)
(Bee balm, melissa, sweet balm)
Description: Hairy perennial herb with creeping roots and square stems that grow up to 3 ft. Lemon-scented heart-shaped toothed leaves. Flowers are white or pink and appear in late summer.
Uses: Leaves and tips picked just before or after flowering may be used fresh or dried quickly in the shade or frozen to preserve oils. Used to treat colds, flu, insomnia and indigestion.
Infusion: Used to prepare more delicate parts of plants. 3 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 1.5 ounce of fresh herbs; pour the freshly boiled water over herbs in a pot, cover the pot and let the herbs steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 24 hours.
Tincture: A tincture is a good solution for long term treatment as will store for up to two years. 8 ounces of dried herb, 1.5 cups of alcohol (grain alcohol like Everclear), and 4 cups of water; Chop your herbs up finely and put them in a glass jar with a good tight fitting lid. Pour the liquid over the herbs and tighten the lid. Keep the jar in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every two days. After the two weeks, strain the liquid off through cheesecloth into a clean colored glass jar and store away from heat and direct sunlight.
