Lemon balm - herb of longevity
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a rather humble member of the mint family. It grows very easily in the garden or in tubs, and produces delicate white flowers throughout the summer. If you rub the leaves of lemon balm, it has a characteristic lemony scent - hence its name.
The Latin name Melissa is derived from the Greek ‘melittena’ or ‘honey bee’, because, as Dioscorides noted, ‘bees do delight in the herb’. Beekeepers still rub their hives with the plant, knowing that their bees will never leave and hoping that other bees will come. The plant is native to the eastern Mediterranean, and the Arabs were the first to extol its virtues. The Romans introduced the plant to Britain. Both Dioscorides and Pliny noted the plant’s healing and relaxing properties. Avicenna in his 11th Century book on herbs called ‘The Canon of Medicine’ wrote that ‘balm maketh the heart merry and joyful, and strengthens the vital spirits’. This reflects the herb’s ancient reputation for easing cardiac and nervous disorders, and above all, for counteracting melancholy. It was widely considered to promote longevity. John Evelyn (1620-1706) said; ‘Balm is sovereign for the brain, strengthening memory and powerfully chasing away melancholy’, and Paraclesus called it ’The Elixir of Life’. Thomas Coghan, a 16th Century Oxford Don, said ‘It is an hearbe greatly to be esteemed of students, for by a special property it driveth away heaviness of mind, sharpeneth the understanding and encreaseth memory’. In the 17th century the Carmelite monks in Paris made a distillation of balm leaves called ‘Carmelite water’ which was used as a perfume. It also includes lemon peel, nutmeg and angelica root.
There has been much modern research into balm herb, much of it yielding positive results. The volatile oils in the herb help to calm the central nervous system, and some of the water-soluble constituents are anti-viral - especially against the herpes (cold-sore) virus.
There has been much recent interest in both balm and sage as longevity herbs, used in the past to maintain good memory and mental functioning. Currently, research is underway to assess it effect in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
So what conditions is lemon balm good for?
Balm has a lovely uplifting and relaxing action, and it can be used by people who are unable to take St. John’s wort, as lemon balm does not have the same interactions with some orthodox drugs. It can be helpful in anxiety related high blood pressure, sleep problems, and palpitations of nervous origin (always get palpitations checked out by your doctor). It is also a gentle and effective digestive remedy - ideal for those prone to nervous indigestion or stress related IBS. Balm is active against the cold sore virus and can be taken internally and applied externally, both to oral and genital herpes.Are there any contra-indications?
Lemon balm is a very safe and gentle herb. Some sources claim that it may not be suitable for people with an under active thyroid.What form of the herb is best for me?
Artemis supplies a full range of lemon balm products: organic tea, tincture, aromatic water (hydrosol) and essential oil.The Artemis organic lemon balm tea can be taken hot, or chilled and drunk with ice and lemon. Its delicious lemony taste make it an ideal everyday herbal tea, even if the medicinal actions are not required.
Artemis is the only retailer of distilled lemon balm tincture; this ensures that an adequate level of the relaxing volatile oils are present. The tincture is more suitable where a stronger therapeutic dose is required. The tincture may be applied on cold sores, either directly or by adding it to the Artemis base cream first before applying it.
Artemis lemon balm essential oil comes pre-diluted in Jojoba oil. Safe enough for calming hyperactive children over 3 years. Just rub a little diluted oil onto their upper chest and they will immediately feel the benefits of this soothing calming oil. It also helps with exam nerves and stress as it calms while it aids memory recall. Just rub a little diluted oil onto the upper chest.
The Artemis lemon balm water makes a relaxing aromatic spray with anti-viral properties.
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