Lemon Balm

Actions:Sedative, antidepressant, digestive stimulant, peripheral vasodilator, diaphoretic, relaxing restorative for nervous system, antiviral (possibly due to polyphenols and tannins), antibacterial.

Plant Part: Aerial Parts

Usage:

Aerial Parts

  • Infusion: Make with fresh leaves, water which is off the boil and in a pot with a lid to avoid evaporating too much of the essential oil. Ideal for depression, nervous exhaustion, indigestion or nausea, and the early stages of colds and influenza.
  • Tincture: Best made from fresh leaves and with a rather stronger but similar action to the infusion. Small dose (5-10 drops) are usually more effective.
  • Ointment: Useful for sores and insect bites. The plant also contains citronellal which can help to repel insects.
  • Infused Oil: Use as a ointment or as a gentle massage oil for tension or chest complaints. Make by the hot infusion method (less effective than essential oil-based extracts)
  • Compress: Use a pad soaked in the infusion for painful swellings such as gout.
  • Mouthwash: Use to infusion for mouth ulcers

Essential Oil

    • Massage Oil: Use 5-10 drops of essential oil in 20ml of almond or olive oil for depression, tension and as an antispasmodic for asthma and bronchitis.
    • Ointment: Use 5ml of oil to 100g of an ointment base for insect bites or as a preventative to deter pests.