'Melissa officinalis' - an attractive plant growing to 1 m, with tiny white flowers and serrated aromatic leaves.
Drinking lemon balm infusion from the leaves clears the head, relaxes the body for a good night’s sleep. It has also been used to overcome nervous indigestion, anxiety and depression.
Details:
Laboratory studies have shown that lemon balm leaves contain compounds with sedative, digestive and anti-spasmodic effects.
So in addition to lemon balm being a delicious tea, it can help you to sleep and settle your stomach.
Recent studies have shown that the tannins in lemon balm can act as an astringent when applied externally and might be effective in fighting some surface viruses, such as herpes simplex.
Tea:
Use fresh lemon balm leaves and flowering tops if available. If you use dried herb, use slightly less than fresh. For each cup of tea, place 12 fresh or dried leaves of Tulsi basil into a teapot or teacup.
Allow your tea to steep for about 10 minutes, and then strain it and enjoy with sugar, honey, lemon, milk or other tasty additions.
Tinctures:
Tinctures are herbal extractions made with alcohol, cider vinegar or glycerin. They are simple to make and portable for people on the run or while traveling. First, fill a clean glass jar about half full with either fresh or dried lemon balm leaves.
Fill your jar with vodka, rum, brandy, apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin.
Shake the jar, label the contents (be sure to include the date), and allow it to sit in a cool, shady location for one month.
Shake your brewing tincture at least once each day.
After one month, strain your tincture and pour it in smaller glass bottles with dropper tops for ease of use. Take no more than three full droppersful three times each day.
