The Shepherd's Purse

Please Note:   Personal health matters should be discussed with an appropriate health care practitioner. The sole responsibility for the application of the information contained herein remains with the reader and user of this information.

Lemon Balm   Melissa Officinalis

See Cautions below in RED

Parts Used:    Leaves and flower in early stages without stem

Contains:  Volatile oil (including citronella), polyphenols, tannins, bitter principle,
                flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, linolol, and gerinol

Uses:        Sedative, anti-depressant, digestive stimulant, promotes sweating, relaxing
                 restorative for nervous system, antiviral (possibly due to polyphenols and
                 tannins), antibacterial, relieves gas, antispasmodic

Forms:       Tea infusion, tincture, compress, ointment, infused oil

                  Essential Oil - Ointment, massage oil

Tea:            Best made with fresh leaves.  Take for depression, nervous exhaustion,
                  indigestion, nausea, and the early stages of colds and influenza.

Tincture:     Has stronger but similar action to infusion.  Best made from fresh leaves.
                  Small doses of 5 - 10 drops are usually more effective

Compress:   Use a pad soaked in the infusion to relieve painful swellings, such as gout

Vinegar:      Leaves steeped in vinegar soothe insect stings and bites

Ointment:    Leaves used for sores, insect bites, or to repel insects

Infused Oil:  Use hot infused oil as the ointment or as a gentle massage oil for
                    depression, tension, asthma, and bronchitis

Essential Oil: Ointment - combine 5 ml oil with 100 g ointment base for insect bites
                     or to repel insects

                     Massage Oil - Dilute 5 - 10 drops oil in 20 ml almond or olive oil, and use
                     for tensrion or chest complaints

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Lemon Balm is good for depression, hysteria, and tension and ideal for anyone who suffers from digestive upsets when worried or anxious. It is cooling, so the leaves are good in feverish colds.

Externally, leaves can be used on sores or panful swellings as a poultice or compress.

Children's Tonic for teething, colds, flu and colic - Lemon Balm, Catnip, German Chamomile and Fennel Seed.

Hyperactivity in children because of dificiency of magnesium which causes decrease of dopamine in the brain.  Combine with kelp and german chamomile.

Hyperactive Tea - Lemon Balm, Catnip, Chamomile. Flavor with cinnamon or anise and a touch of cloves.

For stomach spasms or menstral cramps, Prepare tea of Lemon Balm, German Chamomile and Calendula.  Drink lukewarm, unsweetened.

Sore Throat Gargle - Mix with honey and vinegat, steep in water and strain.

Strept Throat - Combine Lemon Balm, Garlic, and grapefruit seed extract

 Cautions:

Do not combine with perscription sedative drugs.

Do not take when Pregnant or if you have thyroid problems.

Other benefits from Lemon Balm

Because it contains Eugenol, a pain reliever, it works well for menstral cramps, stomach cramps, labor pains, calms the nerves, shingles, PMS, migraines.

Pain Reliever Combo - Lemon Balm, German Chamomile, Calendula, White Willow Bark

Mild sedative tea (do not take when taking sedative perscription drugs).  It opens pours to reduce fevers from cold and flu.  Use fresh leaves when possible.

Boils - fresh herb, bruised in white wine and olive oil will open a boil.

Herpes simplex, cold sores:   Lemon Balm and TarragonOintment because of its high tannin content

Achy Flu Remedy:  Lemon Balm, Elder Flower, Thyme    Use 1 teaspoon each in 3 cups water.  Drink up to 5 cups a day.

Use as mouthwash for aching teeth

Freeze in icecubes to apply to insect bites or minor wounds for pain relief.

Afterbirth or to bring on menses - steep Lemon Balm in hot water and put into bath.

Oily hair rinse

Skin Spritzer - Lemon Balm and Vinegar

For skin infections, lemon balm contains strong anti-bacterial properties.  It cleans and heals wounds.

Steep in wine for scorpion bites and use as a compress to affected area.

Lemon Pledge Plant - rub on light bulb for pleasant lingering fragrance throughout the day

"Carmelite Water"  Lemon Balm, Lemon Peel, Nutmeg, Corriander, and Angelica for nervous headaches and neuraligia.  This also improves complexion and acne.

Goes well with fish and poultry

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