Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a perennial plant that can grow 60 to 90 cm tall and belongs to the lipflower family (Lamiaceae). The plant smells of lemon.
It has green hairy square stems, elliptical, serrated light green leaves with light hairiness and white, pink or purple two-lipped flowers that appear in summer.
This plant from the mint family was originally from North and West Africa and Southern Europe, but is now grown mainly in Europe.

The name
The name lemon balm comes from the Ancient Greek word melissa, which means ‘honey bee. This name is very appropriate because lemon balm attracts many bees. The plant is known as an important producer of nectar, the raw material of honey.

Lemon balm blooms from June to October, with white to light purple flowers in axillary clusters. The plant likes a sheltered position in sun or partial shade, preferably with a southern or western orientation.
Lemon balm is an easy plant, prefers to grow in slightly moist soil in partial shade but does well anywhere. Bright sun can lead to some loss of aroma. The plant blooms from July to September with white, inconspicuous flowers. Melissa officinalis has ovoid, somewhat rough to the touch leaves that, bruised, give off the scent of lemons. The leaves are fresh green and take on a yellowish hue if the plant gets too much sun. Of this herb, leaves and flowers are edible, they can be used in cooling summer drinks, in fruit salad and with fish dishes, and lemon milk lemonade is made from them. Melissa officinalis is a medicinal plant that fits well in an herbal tea for a calming effect.

History
Lemon balm was known to various peoples 2,000 years ago. Probably the Arabs brought the plant to Europe via Spain. Initially, only monasteries engaged in cultivation.

Contents
Lemon balm owes its medicinal effects to beneficial constituents of which essential oil with aldehydes (citral, citronellal, a good digestive decongestant), gerianol, flavonoids, phenolic acids, organic acids (rosemary acid), flavonoids, bitter substances, tannins and minerals (copper) are the most important.
Rosmarinic acid (if this substance is in the plant do not use it during pregnancy)
Vitamins: A, B, C and a little D
Honey (itself a complete food. That's why the bees love it so much!)
Minerals: calcium, potassium and copper.

For mild migraines, mild heart complaints of a nervous nature, exam anxiety, melancholy and insomnia. A strengthening effect on the organism through the essential oil, works through the central nervous system. Calming and relaxing due to the copper present, which relaxes muscles.

Good for exam anxiety and other mild states of anxiety. A very good children's herb, even for infants, due to its mild effects. Lowers blood pressure, has a strengthening effect on the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, it can also be used for fever. Also all digestive complaints involving nervousness.
For all nervous digestive complaints. In nausea and flatulence: the tea before meals. In diarrhea with cramps in children. Pregnancy vomiting: the weak tea. Also in motion sickness when traveling, flying or boating. Further in case of disturbed functioning of the spleen.

It has a long tradition as a medicinal plant and is considered highly antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal. The balm is also used as a relaxing, fragrant addition to massage oils, bath oils and shower gel. Allergic, oily and blemished skin will also be returned to its natural balance with the help of this oil.

Cosmetic properties:
Antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal

- Balances oily, uneven and allergic skin conditions

In aromatherapy, lemon balm is considered soothing, harmonizing and tonic. It can be used to soothe nightmares and anxiety, but it is also used against heartache, depression, insomnia and anxiety. Stress, sadness and anger are also relieved with this fragrance, promoting calm and peace and enhancing stamina. It also acts as an insect repellent. However, it should be greatly diluted to avoid skin irritation.

Use
Harvest the leaves well before flowering for Ø (mother tincture) or tea. Add the flowering tops to bath water. An essential oil is also obtained from Lemon balm, it is very pricey but has a wide range of action. Culinary Lemon balm can be applied in salads, bowls, ice cream, dessert, fish dishes or in a sauce.

Additional Information Lemon balm.

Mildly perspiring and antipyretic as a tea. Helps with allergies and eczemas due to the histamine action. For insect bites and stings, apply a bruised leaf to the affected area, also for an ulcerated wound, it has the same effect as honey, disinfecting and wound healing. For inflamed eyes, also in children and animals. Analgesic and comforting. Furthermore, Lemon balm has an antihistamine effect, so could be used supportively in the treatment of allergies. Also for a smelly breath. Very good remedy for cold sores and shingles. Would have a supportive effect in Graves' Disease, this because especially the essential oil would link to the thyroid cells via the antibodies that cause the disease. The thyroid stimulating hormone is also prevented from further stimulating the thyroid glands in this disease. Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism is an ailment in which there is an overactive thyroid gland, the body receives an excess of thyroid hormones, these greatly stimulate metabolism, increase protein & protein metabolism, fluctuations in calcium balance and glucose intolerance occur, the patients suffer from irregular heartbeat, have sleeping problems, feel hot, are sweaty and can't stand the heat very well. Caution! Do not use during pregnancy, only as a weak tea. Consultation with a physician is desirable.

Good combinations
Goes with practically all other herbs, adds a nice flavor to mixtures. Because of its mild action, it does not outshine other herbs. Specifically for Graves' Disease, it can be combined with Wolf's Foot and Irish Moss.

Carmeliter water recipe
25 gr Lemon balm leaf (fresh)
20 gr fresh Lemon peel
sprig of marjoram
½ Cinnamon stick
5 whole Cloves
1 tsp grated Nutmeg
2 cm fresh Angelica stem
300 ml of vodka
Use a mortar to finely grind all the dry ingredients
put all the ingredients (including the fresh ones) in a small bottle and
add the vodka, seal well.
Leave this for 10 days and shake every day.
Then strain it through a cotton or linen cloth and squeeze it well so you get all the moisture out.
Then strain it again, through a coffee or tea filter into a clean bottle.
Use this as a perfume or in an aroma lamp diluted with water.
Let it stand for another three weeks in a cool, dark place.

Magic
Gender: Female
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Success, Healing

Use
From Arabic herbal magic comes the information that Lemon balm can be used to influence love. Soak the herb in wine before