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
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- 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.