Lemon Balm
Melissa Officinalis
This is one of my favourite plants and I personally rely of her beneficial effects.
This lovely green perennial is so easy to cultivate that everybody should have in their garden or even in their balcony.
Indeed this photo is taken in my garden from my own Melissa crop.
The Herbs botanical name is Melissa Officinalis and it is possible to buy seeds or small plant organic and pesticide free from any Garden Center in UK .
What is used for
Her sweet smelling fragrance is valued for its calming, antispasmodic,relaxant properties , good for sleep disorders, anxiety and digestive disorders. Its volatile oil and in particular citral and citronellal calms the central nervous system and it is an excellent herb useful for calming digestive issues especially in combination with Chamomille.
Her Essential Oil in combination with other plants can be useful to help with cold sores and to lift your mood.
How to use it
Excellent to be used as an infusion alone or even better in combination with other herbs such ass Lavander and Lime Blossom for tension and stress relief but it can be useful also as a first aid remedy for cuts and insect stings when is prepared as a ointment.
Good to be used in the kitchen as well ! such in salad, soup or used as infused oil.
Make your own
Melissa Officinalis is a perennial and it is easy to care for this plant.
I have in my own garden, enjoying her marvelous scent from her tiny and beautiful flowers and leaves. Both fresh or dry the aerial parts provides us with excellent support. Infusions, Tinctures or Ointments can give us the support we might need for nerves, headache, anxiety, cold sore, cuts and grazes as well as insect stings. Try it !