Lemon balm is an easy to grow herb
that not only attracts bees to the garden,
but is also a greatanti-viral with relaxing
properties that are helpful for soothing frayed nerves and calming hyper children.
Traditionally, it’s been used to gently treat colic
and upset stomach in everyone from infants to elders. A leaf
can be chewed to freshen the breath or crushed
and placed on a bug bite to help ease the itch.
If you’ve ever planted lemon balm, you know how one tiny plant can
quickly take over a large portion of your garden! Last week, I talked about
using some of its abundance to make
a lip balm for cold sores. Today, I
thought I’d share a dozen more things to do with this prolific little gem.
Important
Note: While it’s generally considered
safe for most people, lemon balm can inhibit thyroid function. If you have
severe hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or are on thyroid medication check
with a doctor before using large amounts internally. If you’re pregnant,
nursing, on meds or have any other questions or concerns, do further research
and talk with a qualified health professional before use.
12 Things to do with Lemon Balm
1. Make a sleepy time herbal syrup –
place about 3/4 cup lemon balm leaves into a small pot and add enough water to
just cover the leaves. Simmer, covered partially, until the liquid is reduced
in half. Strain out & compost the leaves. While still quite warm, measure
out about 1/2 cup of the concentrated tea and stir 1/4 cup raw honey into it.
Add more honey to taste, if you wish. You can make larger or smaller batches –
keeping a ratio of about 2 parts lemon balm infusion to 1 part honey. Store in
the refrigerator for a week or so. Dose by the spoonful at night to help calm
and relax everyone from children to adults. (Keeping in mind that honey should
not be given to infants under one year old.)
2. Chop fresh leaves and sprinkle on fruit salads;
drizzle with honey or a dressing made of yogurt and honey.
3. Make a glycerite – Fill a jar
with leaves. Cover with a mixture of 3 parts vegetable
glycerine to 1 part water. Cap and let
this sit in a dark place for 3 to 4 weeks. Strain. Dose is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon as
needed to relax and calm. Store in your refrigerator for several months. (Adapted from Rosemary
Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs.)
4. Make a relaxing, tummy soothing
tea – Fill a jar with fresh leaves. Pour simmering hot water
into the jar then cover the top with a saucer so that none of the vapors
escape. Let steep until cool enough to drink. Sweeten to taste.
5. Moisten cosmetic
clay with lemon balm tea to dab on blemishes and bug bites as needed.
6. Fill a bath bag with lemon balm leaves and
rose petals. Hang from the spigot and let the water run through
as the tub fills. (No bath bags handy? Try a thin white sock with a knot tied
at the top.)
7. Add finely chopped leaves (1 to 2 TBSP) and
lemon zest (a pinch) to your favorite scone or muffin recipe.
8. Make a tincture – Add leaves
to a jar until about three-quarters filled. Pour in 80 proof or higher alcohol
(like vodka) until the jar is filled. Cap with a non-metallic lid and store in
a cool, dark place for about 4 to 6 weeks, shaking periodically. Strain and store
for at least a year. Adult dose is 1/4 teaspoon (which is also about 1
dropperful or 1 ml) at a time, as needed. I usually mix with equal parts honey
for better patient compliance. This is a great stomach soothing, anti-viral
concoction, perfect to take when you feel like you’re coming down with a cold
or bug. Lemon Balm is also a component in my trusted Favorite
Cold & Flu Tincture.
9. Make a vinegar – fill a jar
about 3/4 full with fresh leaves. Cover with apple cider vinegar. Cap with a
non-metallic lid and let steep in a cool dark place for a few weeks. Strain and
use as a hair wash or add to your bath water. You can also use this in food
dishes & salad dressings instead of plain vinegar.
10. Make candied lemon balm leaves –
This is a favorite kid activity around here! Beat an egg white with a tiny bit
of water. Dip lemon balm leaves in the mixture, then dip in sugar. Lay on a
parchment lined baking sheet. You can air dry these, though we like to speed up
the process by putting them in a 200 degree F oven until they look dry, but not
browned. Check after 20 minutes and every 5 to 10 after that.
11. Make Lemon Balm & Honey Butter –
Mix half a stick (4 tablespoons) of softened butter with a pinch of finely
chopped lemon balm. Add a drizzle of honey to taste. Yummy on hot fresh bread
or biscuits!
12. Make an herbal water – Fill a jar with fresh lemon balm leaves and a thinly sliced lemon. Pour in cold water until it reaches the top. Refrigerate for several hours. So refreshing on a hot day!
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