The Victory Seed Company does not advocate medical self-diagnosis or self-medication. Reference to the medicinal properties of plants are described here for educational and historical purposes only and are not to be construed as a prescription, prognosis or diagnosis for any disease or illness. As with any remedies or medicines, you should consult your personal health care provider before using.
Historically, a pleasant tasting tea was made from the leaves and used for its
calmative and
carminative properties.
[1] Its calming and stimulating effects have been used to treat symptoms of nervousness, fainting, dizziness, irritability, fatigue, excitement, and depression.
'Lemon Balm' is the main ingredient of "
Carmelite Water," ("
Eau de Carmes") also referred to as "
Melissa Water" ("
Eau de Mélisse"), it is an alcoholic elixir that has been in constant production for hundreds of years and is still sold, primarily in pharmacies, as a comforting and invigorating
tonic ideal for digestive problems, fatigue, hot flashes, stress, and motion sickness.
Modern studies indicate that hot water extracts (
decoctions) have
antiviral effects against mumps and herpes. Extracts are mildly
sedative and so promise for treating anxiety and as a sleep aid. Because of this, Lemon Balm should be used cautiously when combining with
sedative substances to avoid over sedation. Use caution when combining alcohol and Lemon Balm to minimize sleepiness. You should also exercise caution when driving or operating dangerous equipment.
[4]
The reported preferred temperature for
vaporizing and
aromatherapy is 288°F (142°C).
'Lemon Balm' germinates best at a soil temperature of 68°F (20°C) and
requires light. Either start seeds indoors, under controlled conditions,
or sow in a location that receives partial shade to full sun and has
well-drained, fertile, moist soil. Whether starting indoors or directly
in the garden, surface sow and carefully water so that they make contact
with the soil but still are exposed to the light.
Once established, 'Lemon Balm' grows in clumps which spread, or they can be divided to increase your planting. They also are , as well as by seed. In mild temperate zones, the stems of the plant die off at the start of the winter, but shoot up again in spring.It is in the mint family, will spread, so should be grown in a location that will contain it.
Informational References:- "A Modern Herbal," Mrs. Maude Grieve, 1931, p. 76-77.
- "Lemon Balm: An Herb Society of America Guide," The Herb Society of America, Kirtland, Ohio, 2007. [PDF]
- "Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book: 1766-1824, With Relevant Extracts From His Other Writings," annotated by Edwin Morris Betts, The American Philosophical Society, 1985.
- "Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs & Related Remedies," Steven Foster & Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., MJF Books, New York, 1999.
