LEMON BALM: A VERSATILE HERB

Lemon balm or Melissa Officinalis from the family of Lumiaceae is an easily grown herb that spreads aggressively and can take over your garden. It is also referred to as Balm Mint, Bee Herb, Sweet Balm, Garden Balm, and Honey Plant. Lemon Balm grows from 1 to 2 feet tall and has small bluish- white blossoms on it. Its heart-shaped leaves resemble mint plants. This herb prefers partial shade and fertile soil. Lemon Balm

Grows vigorously from May to October. Its leaves should be harvested before the plant blooms for maximum potency and the whole herb should be cut back in the fall.

Medicinal Uses of Lemon Balm

The active ingredients in Lemon Balm are citronellal 24%, geranial 16%, linalyl acetate 12%, and caryophyllene 12%. A history of the uses of this herb are mentioned in The Spice Encyclopaedia: “Lemon Balm is a native to southern Europe and northern Africa and has been cultivated for over 2000 years. It has a long history as a healing herb and was also part of a drink that ensured longevity. The branches were strewn on floors to freshen a room, as mentioned by Shakespeare in "The Merry Wives of Windsor". The Arabs introduced it as medicinal herb, a tea that was taken for anxiety and depression. Melissa tea is still known in France today as a remedy for fatigue and headaches. Melissa derives its name from the Greek for honeybee. The leaves were rubbed onto beehives to prevent swarming and to encourage the bees to return to the hives. The Greek physician

Dioscorides wrote about it being used for scorpions stings and insect and dog bites.” (http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/lemonbalm.html)

At www.herbs200.com more uses of Lemon Balm are mentioned: “The herbal remedies made from the lemon balm are very effective in bringing soothing relief to the nerves and in lifting the spirits of people affected by ennui. Digestive disorders are also

soothed by the lemon balm, and the herbal remedy is said to have particular affinity with digestive system disorders. Herbalists say it can calm and soothe problems such as nausea, vomiting, and other conditions like a poor appetite, cases of colic, as well as diseases such as dysentery, and colitis as well as all kinds of digestive problems due to stress. The liver and the gallbladder are also gently soothed down by the bitter principles present in the lemon balm and these tend to enhance the rate of digestion as well as absorption in the stomach. Remedies made from the lemon balm also become very useful in cases of nervousness, excessive anxiety or depression that effects the functioning of the heart, leading to heart pains or other problems like palpitations or an irregular heartbeat. The lemon balm remedy can also relaxes spasms that cause period pain in the reproductive system of women, these remedies can also bring relief from excessive irritability and depression related to PMS and other conditions. The remedies made from the lemon balm are also very useful as an aid in regulating menstrual periods and have found traditional use in relaxing and strengthening women during the process of childbirth and in bringing on the afterbirth. The lemon balm remedy can help bring relief from depression that occurs postnatal as well as the one that comes during menopause.

The lemon balm herb has a relaxant effect, which can help in bringing relief from pain and spasms in the kidneys as well as in the general urinary system of a patient. The

remedies made from the lemon balm are also excellent for the treatment of headaches, as well as problems such as migraine, problems like vertigo and buzzing sensations that occur in the ears. The lemon balm combined with the linden flowers helps in reducing

elevated blood pressure in the body. The lemon balm when taken in the form of a hot infusion can induce sweating in the body, this helps in reducing fevers and makes it a very good remedy for many childhood infections, such as colds and flu, as well as various coughs and catarrh which tends to affect children. The lemon balm also has potent action as a relaxant and possesses mucous reducing properties, these powers are very helpful during cases of acute and chronic bronchitis, they are also helpful in treating harsh and irritating coughs as well as asthma in patients. The remedies made from the lemon balm are also excellent in treating allergies and the potent antiviral action of the herb makes it very excellent for the treatment of cold sores in patients. People with an overactive thyroid are also given the lemon balm remedy following the discovery of its potent anti-thyroid activity. Other medical uses: Urinary incontinence, Viral infection. Lemon balm is a first-aid remedy for cuts and insect stings and is good for fevers.” This herb is also helpful in combating Herpes. (http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_lemon_balm.htm)

Contraindications of Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is also used to combat hyperthyroidism and drives the TSH down. Therefore it is contraindicated for those taking thyroid medication for hypothyroidism. In some animal studies Lemon Balm was shown to potentiate certain drugs such as Phenobarbital and Hexobarbital, so persons taking those drugs should not take Lemon Balm. Also, the aromatherapy Lemon Balm contains Citral that causes increased ocular tension in people who have prostatic hyperplasia. Another caution about Lemon Balm is that it induces sleepiness and therefore those operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery should refrain from doing so if they feel lethargic. (http://www.herballegacy.com/Morrison_Contra.html)

Lemon Balm: Harvesting and Use in Recipes

When harvested the Lemon Balm leaves should not be exposed to light or heat. They should be spread out on newspapers to dry or hung up in a dark, dry place around 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Cuttings should be made 4 inches from the ground. Lemon Balm leaves either fresh or dried are used for tea, oil, or extracts. The dried leaves should be put in an airtight jar and the fresh leaves may be frozen in a freezer bag. Lemon Balm can

also be frozen in oil, ice cubes, and butters. Culinary uses of Lemon Balm leaves can be garnishes, vegetable dishes, or stuffing. This fragrant herb is also put into potpourris.

Lemon Balm infused oil
1 cup of oil

1/2 cup of fresh herb

let stand 4-5 days at room temperature and the herbs will settle to bottom. Put into clean jars, discard the herbs and store in the fridge for up to 6 months

Lemon Balm Tea
(with fresh or dried leaf)
1heaping tablespoon of dried leaves

2 tablespoons of fresh leaves for each cup of boiling water
(or make sun tea by placing herbs and cool water in covered jar in the sun for a few hours) strain add honey and, or lemon. (http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/lemonbalm.html)

Gardens Ablaze gives the following recipes that include Lemon Balm:

Lemon Balm can be used in any recipe that calls for a squeeze of lemon.

Herbed Strawberry Wine

1 bottle of Rosé Wine

1/2 pound strawberries

20-25 lemon balm leaves

2 teaspoons of rosemary leaves

Remove tops from strawberries, wash and slice. Chop the herbs finely. Mix all ingredients and seal in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well. Refrigerate for two days, shaking occasionally. Strain through a cloth towel, and serve chilled.

Lemon Balm Salad Dressing

1 cup of lemon balm, shredded coarsely

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1 cup olive oil

Salt & Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Cover tightly and chill for 1 hour until flavours have blended. Use as a dressing for green garden salads

How to make Compote Of Fresh Fruits With Lemon Balm

Ingredients:

4 pears

8 plums or fresh prunes

2 peaches

1/2-cup water

Fresh lemon balm leaves

1 1/4 cups sugar

Select firm fruit.
Peel, core, and quarter pears.
Cut plums or prunes into 4 sections through to stone; leave pulp attached to stones.
Feel peaches and cut into halves.
Save stones.
Put fruit and peach stones in heavy saucepan; add water, lemon balm leaves, and sugar.
Cover and cook slowly over very low heat for 20 minutes, or until tender.

Chill, and remove fruit stones before serving. (http://www.ifood.tv/recipe/compote-of-fresh-fruits-with-lemon-balm)

Lemon Balm Pesto

2 cups fresh lemon balm
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 or 4 cloves garlic

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor until chunky, but not too well blended. Use to baste broiled or grilled fish or chicken, or serve as traditional pesto over pasta. (See recipe below.) Makes about 2 cups.

(http://www.preferredconsumer.com/food_drink/articles/lemon_balm_recipes.html)

Honey and Lemon Balm Tea Biscuits

Ingredients

cup

cup

large

cups

teaspoons

tablespoon

teaspoons

or lemon flavoring

each

lemon balm

sprigs, fresh, chopped

Directions

Thoroughly cream the butter and honey.

Add eggs and beat well.

Add the dry ingredients, then the milk, flavoring, and lemon balm. Drop by spoonfuls on an ungreased baking sheet and bake 8 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees F. (http://recipeland.com/recipe/v/Honey-and-Lemon-Balm-Tea-Biscuits-9125)

Hot Fruit Compote

8 soft coconut macaroons
1 (16 1/2 oz.) can dark sweet cherries, drained
1 (16 oz.) can sliced peaches, drained
1 (15 1/4 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 (17 oz.) can apricot halves, drained
1 (16 oz.) can pear halves, drained
1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling
1/2 c. brandy

Crumble macaroons in shallow pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cool. Sprinkle 1/2 amount in 2 1/2 quart casserole. Layer remaining ingredients in order given. Sprinkle remaining macaroons on top. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours. Remove from refrigerator. Let stand 30 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly. Yields 8 to 10 servings.

(http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1919,155165-239200,00.html)

Kathys Garden Patch

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Lemon Balm: A versitile Herb