Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis.
Lemon Balm has been used as far back as the Middle Ages, cherished as a calming herb and relaxing tonic that uplifts the spirit and promotes longevity. Its Latin name, Melissa, means "honeybee" in Greek, reflecting the bees’ love for its aromatic flowers. In ancient mythology, the nymph Melissa discovered honey and used it to nurture the infant Zeus.
Traditional uses: reduce stress, improve mood, promote a sense of calm, encourage relaxation and sleep, support digestion, relieve cold sores
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Parts used: aerial
Actions include: anxiolytic, relaxant, carminative, antispasmodic, antiviral, neuroprotective, cardiotonic, diaphoretic, febrifuge
Caution: people who are on medication, pregnant, breastfeeding or under 18 years may need to consult a healthcare professional before consuming herbal products
Lemon Balm is used in our Rest Sleep Wellness, Soothe Emotional Wellness, Protect Immune Wellness and Nourish Digestive Wellness teas.
Click here to learn more about this incredible plant. References: Encyclopaedia of Herbal Medicine, British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, A Modern Herbal, Mount Sinai, National Library of Medicine, The Herbal Academy.