Lemon Balm
Natural Healing Herbs
Lemon balm is a wonderful smelling medicinal herb that is also used in cooking. In acient Greece it was used to treat scorpion stings and dog bites.
Other Names
The Latin name for it is melissa officinalis. It's also called sweet melissa, sweet balm, balm mint, garden balm, honey plant, bee herb, and balm.
Appearance
This plant grows up to 1 meter high. It has an angular stem with branches coming off it. The leaves grow off in opposite pairs. It has small white flowers that bloom all summer. The plant give off a lemony odor.
Origins
This plant originates in southern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Parts Used
The leaves of the plant are dried and used. It is use for cooking as well as a medicinal herb.
Medicinal Uses
This herb has antiviral and antibacteria properties. It is also a mild sedative. It's usually used in a medicinal tea to treat the following ailments:
- cold and flu
- herpes
- stress
- insomnia
- Grave's disease
- high blood pressure
You can by this herb and many others at Mountain Rose Herbs.
You can even rub the crushed leaves on mosquito bites to soothe the itching and reduce swelling.
Side Effects and Warnings
As with all herbs, you should ask a doctor before taking it with prescription medication.
There are no known side effects from the use of this herb, but you should still be cautious if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
If you found this information useful, check out my complete listing of herbs at my Herb Index. You can find a listing of ailments and their natural treatments on my Free Home Remedies page.
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