Once in a while, something is valued for its calming and enchanting properties.

Lemon Balm is one of those things

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is known for its powers of attraction, healing and purification. The name "Melissa" comes from the Greek word for "bee” (bees are highly attracted to fragrant lemon balm flowers), and as such, lemon balm is believed to attract positive things like love, happiness, and success. It is said that carrying a sachet of dried lemon balm leaves can help to attract a romantic partner (apparenty, it’s not only the bees who are attracted to it!). Lemon balm is believed to have healing properties that may be particularly effective in calming the mind and reducing stress and anxiety. By helping cleanse negative energies and purify the mind, body, and spirit, I can see why lemon balm has been adored for thousands of years: such a joyful, fragrant herb!

The ancient Greeks and Romans considered lemon balm a "universal herb" and believed it to have an extensive range of healing properties. Lemon balm, popular in medieval monastery gardens, was used to make medicines and tonics. In traditional European medicine, lemon balm has been used to treat a variety of ailments — including digestive issues, anxiety, and insomnia. Today, this popular mint-family herb is valued for its pleasant lemony scent and calming effects — it’s used in anything from aromatherapy and skincare products, to natural remedies for anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, and digestive issues.

Some specific ways in which lemon balm can be used:

1. Culinary Use: Lemon balm is used as a culinary herb. It pairs well with fruit and veggies, fish and chicken. It is often used in sauces, salads, soups, cocktails, and desserts.

2. Medicinal Use: Lemon balm has traditionally been used to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a calming effect on the mind and body through aromatherapy, tea infusions, and tinctures. It may also help with digestion.

3. Skin Care: Lemon balm has antioxidant properties, which means it can help protect the skin from free radical damage and help prevent premature aging of the skin. Lemon balm may also help reduce inflammation, which can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Additionally, lemon balm has antiviral properties and may be helpful in treating cold sores or other viral skin infections. It may also help improve skin elasticity and firmness, as well as promote collagen production. Further, lemon balm is a natural insect repellent — while attracting bees, it repels mosquitoes, flies, and other pests.

Overall, lemon balm is a versatile herb that is valued for its pleasant scent, culinary uses, and various medicinal properties.

Lemon Balm Symbolism | Lemon Balm Health Benefits | Lemon Balm Recipes

What does lemon balm symbolize?

Lemon balm has been associated with various symbolic meanings throughout history and various cultures. It is generally seen as a symbol of:

• Love

• Compassion

• Healing

• Protection

• Calmness

• Purification

Ways to incorporate lemon balm’s symbolic meanings into daily life, ritual, and ceremony include:

• Calmness and Relaxation: Lemon balm is very much associated with calmness and relaxation. Its lemony scent is believed to have a soothing effect on the mind and body, and it has traditionally been used to help reduce stress and anxiety. Lemon balm can be used to promote calmness and relaxation by including it in a tea infusion, bath water, or in aromatherapy to create a peaceful atmosphere.

• Love and Romance: In some cultures, lemon balm is associated with love and romance. It was used in ancient Greece to attract love and has also been used in wedding ceremonies to symbolize the bride's innocence and purity. Lemon balm can be included in wedding bouquets or centerpieces and it can also be used in wedding favors or as a decorative element to add a touch of love and romance. Wearing a satchel of lemon balm is said to help attract romance.

• Healing and Protection: Often used for its medicinal properties, lemon balm has been believed to have healing and protective properties and has been used to treat various ailments, including headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. Lemon balm can be used in rituals to symbolize its healing and protective properties. It can be burned as incense or added to bath water or oils to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Spiritual Cleansing: In some spiritual practices, lemon balm is used for its cleansing properties. It is believed to have the ability to cleanse negative energy and promote positivity. It can be burned as incense or used in smudging ceremonies to purify a space and promote positivity.

What are the health benefits of lemon balm?

While lemon balm is generally regarded as a safe herb for most people (even children), it is best to check with your doctor before integrating into regular consumption. Some of the health benefits associated with lemon balm include:

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Lemon balm is known for its calming properties and is often used to help reduce stress and anxiety. It has been shown to help lower cortisol levels, which is the hormone associated with stress.

• Improves Sleep: Lemon balm can help promote better sleep and reduce insomnia. It has a relaxing effect on the body, which can help improve sleep quality and duration.

• Boosts Cognitive Function: Lemon balm has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. It may also help reduce mental fatigue and improve overall cognitive performance.

• Relieves Digestive Issues: Lemon balm has been used to treat digestive issues, including indigestion, bloating, and gas. It may also help reduce nausea and stomach cramps.

• Anti-inflammatory and Antiviral: Lemon balm has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It may help reduce inflammation in the body and protect against viral infections.

• Skin Health: Lemon balm may help improve skin health and reduce skin inflammation. It may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Overall, lemon balm has many potential health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, boosting cognitive function, relieving digestive issues, and promoting skin health. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of lemon balm and how it may interact with other medications.

NOTE: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.

Herbal Recipes using Lemon Balm

Simmering herbs in water to extract their beneficial properties is commonly referred to as making an herbal infusion or decoction — the simmering process allows herbs to release their beneficial properties and create a potent and flavorful tea. An herbal infusion is made by steeping herbs in hot water, usually for about 5-10 minutes.

Lemon Balm TEA BLEND: Anxiety-Reducing INFUSION

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried lemon balm leaves

• 1 tsp dried ginkgo biloba leaves

• 1 tsp dried lavender flowers

• 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring three cups of water to a boil and add herbs to the pot.

2. Reduce the heat and simmer for ten minutes.

3. Remove from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

4. Sweeten with honey or stevia if desired.

5. Enjoy the tea warm or chilled throughout the day as needed to help reduce anxiety.

Lemon Balm Tea BLEND: Digestion Support

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm leaves

• 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves

• 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers

• 1 teaspoon of dried fennel seeds

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring three cups of water to a boil and add herbs to the pot.

2. Reduce the heat and simmer for ten minutes.

3. Remove from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

4. Sweeten with honey or stevia if desired.

5. Enjoy the tea warm or chilled throughout the day as needed to help improve digestion.

Note: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, cognitive decline, or circulatory issues, it's important to seek professional medical advice.

Lemon Balm Skin Cream

Here is a simple recipe for making a skin cream using lemon balm-infused oil:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of lemon balm-infused oil

• 1/4 cup of coconut oil

• 1/4 cup of beeswax

• 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil

• 10-20 drops of essential oil (optional, for scent - ensure it’s a skin-safe oil if using)

Instructions:

1. To make the lemon balm-infused oil, add 1 cup of dried lemon balm leaves to a clean jar and pour enough oil (such as olive oil or sweet almond oil) to cover the leaves completely. Seal the jar and let it sit for 2-4 weeks, shaking it occasionally. Alternatively, you can heat the herbs in the carrier oil on low (lid off) for about an hour.

2. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the lemon balm leaves.

3. In a double boiler, melt together the lemon balm-infused oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. Stir well. Alternatively, you can use a mason jar place in a couple inches of boiling water on the stovetop.

4. Remove from heat and stir in the vitamin E oil and essential oil (if using).

5. Pour the mixture into a clean, dry jar or container and let it cool completely before using.

This skin cream can be used on face or hands or any dry or irritated skin. The lemon balm-infused oil provides soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is recommended to do a patch test before using any new skincare product on your skin.