Lemon Balm
Bot. name: Melissa officinalis
Family : Labiatae or Mint Family
Parts used : Whole plant/Leaves
Chemical composition : The main chemical components are
trans-ocimene, cis-ocimene, 3-octanone, methyl hepenone, cis-3-hexenol,
3-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, copaene, citronellal, linalool, b-bourbonene,
caryophyllene, a-humulene, neral, germacrene-D, geranial, geranyl
acetate, d-cadinene, y-cadinene, nerol and geraniol.
Common Uses : Beauty , Cardiovascular, Colds, Depression, Herpes, Hypertension, Insect Bites, Nausea, Pregnancy, Sore Throat, Sunburns
Properties : Anodyne, Antispasmodic, AntiViral, Aromatic,
Cardic tonic Cordial, Carminative, Diaphoretic/sudorific, Digestive,
Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Hypotensive, Nervine, Sedative, Stomachic,
Uterine Tonic,Vermifuge.
Medicinal use of Lemon Balm : Lemon balm is a commonly grown
household remedy with a long tradition as a tonic remedy that raises
the spirits and lifts the heart. Modern research has shown that it can
help significantly in the treatment of cold sores. The leaves and young
flowering shoots are antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral,
carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative,
and tonic. It also acts to inhibit thyroid activity. An infusion of the
leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and colds, indigestion
associated with nervous tension, excitability and digestive upsets in
children, hyperthyroidism, depression, mild insomnia, headaches etc.
Externally, it is used to treat herpes, sores, gout, insect bites and
as an insect repellent. The plant can be used fresh or dried, for
drying it is harvested just before or just after flowering. The
essential oil contains citral and citronella, which act to calm the
central nervous system and are strongly antispasmodic. The plant also
contains polyphenols, in particular these combat the herpes simplex
virus which produces cold sores. The essential oil is used in
aromatherapy. Its keyword is "Female aspects". It is used to relax and
rejuvenate, especially in cases of depression and nervous tension.
Edible parts of Lemon Balm : Leaves - raw or cooked. A
pleasant lemon-like aroma and flavour, they are used mainly as a
flavouring in salads and cooked foods. A lemon-flavoured tea can be
made from the fresh or dried leaves. A bunch of the leaves can be added
to china tea, much improving the flavour, the leaves are also added to
fruit cups etc. They are used as a flavouring in various alcoholic
beverages including Chartreuse and Benedictine.
Other uses of the herb : The growing plant is said to repel
flies and ants. It is also rubbed on the skin as a repellent, though
the essential oil would be more effective here. An essential oil is
obtained from the plant (the exact part is not specified, it is
probably the entire plant and especially the flowering stems). It is
used medicinally. The whole plant is very pleasantly aromatic, the
aroma lasting for a long time after the plant has been harvested. It is
therefore a very useful ingredient in pot-pourri.
Propagation of Lemon Balm : Seed - sow spring or autumn
in a cold frame. Germination can be slow. Prick out the seedlings into
individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant
out into their permanent positions when the plants are at least 15cm
tall. If there is plenty of seed it can be sown in an outdoor seed bed
in April. Plant out into their permanent positions the following
spring. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be
replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to
pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are
rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Cuttings in July/August.
Cultivation : Planting is usually 40,000 plants/Ha. with
propagation from seed or cuttings. The plants have a life of 10 years
but are usually replaced every five years with crop rotation to
rejuvenate the soil. Propagation in the northern hemisphere is from
April to July.
Harvesting period : In the first year the crop is in August, thereafter two crops are experienced. The first in June and the second in August.
Harvesting methods : Usually by hand on a clear warm day as the
leaves will turn black if harvested wet. For good appearance leaves
should not be left in the sun.
