The Lightness of Lemonbalm

PHOTO CREDIT: KRISTIN SCHUCH LEMONBALM 2022

MIND

We could endlessly share the magic of lemon balm. It is delicious in pesto, gorgeous in tea, healing in an oil - there are so many gently powerful uses for this easy to grow plant ally. If you had to pick one plant to know and grow, it might just be this one given its versatility. Lemonbalm supports sleep, stress, digestion, viral illness, and offers antioxidant properties. Just because you can use it in so many ways doesn’t mean you should. Right relationship with anything is healthiest when held with balance and moderation.

I love lemonbalm! The first time I had fresh plant Lemonbalm glycerine it felt like sunshine entering my heart and spreading through my being. Metaphysically this is just what Lemonbalm does. It is also said to attract what we need to feel nourished. Medicinally Lemonbalm has antiviral actions and is known to specifically help with the herpes virus. It is a mild antidepressant, that can be the antidote for winter melancholy, especially when combined with St Johnswort in a tincture. A calming nervine, Lemonbalm is safe for children and can help them have peaceful sleep. Though always be sure to give them the tea at least 1 hour prior to bedtime to prevent waking up in the night. Lemonbalm is also said to help with tension headaches, wonderfully paired with chamomile, linden and lavender for this purpose. Our herb of the month can also help soothe skin eruptions when used externally and is an uplifting bath herb. This is why I chose to make bath bombs with it for this month's Plant Spirit Medicine box. - Lilli

“Lemon balm is used for anxiety, minor headaches, nervousness, insomnia, nervous heart complaints, and as a diaphoretic hot tea for colds and fevers. Externally it can be used for cold sores and inflammations of the mouth. I find her to be a great aid for increased focus and can be used in combination with Schisandra and Hawthorne berry for ADHD. Energetically bright and cheery, I see lemon balm as a fantastic remedy for depressive pms and general irritability.” -Jess

BODY

“Lemon balm is such a “both/and” herb. It reminds me that many things can be true at once, and that with the appropriate blend of elements, so much is transformation is possible. I met lemon balm during a time when I was in need of calm strength, challenge and ease, intentional activity and rest. Lemon balm is an herbal ally that can provide direct antiviral and digestive support while also more nuanced medicine for the nervous system and mood. When the truth we know or seek is based in fluidity rather than extremes, we can often see pathways otherwise overlooked, and lemon balm can provide support in times of multilayered healing.” - Tasha

“Melissa aka Lemon balm is a multifaceted medicine. This delightful member of the mint family has a lovely brightening flavor. Lemon balm is relaxing and soothing to the nervous system and a great herb for kids. It is a mild anti depressant and is indicated for anxiety, and palpitations related to nervousness. It’s also greatly helpful as a digestive aid, and to settle a nervous stomach. It is a great tonic for overall health. There is also research that shows lemon balm to be useful for individuals with a hyperactive thyroid, because of this lemon balm is contraindicated for individuals with hypothyroid conditions. I personally associate it with the Fae and I love to have a settling cup of lemon balm tea to help myself ground and become present.” Amy

SPIRIT

One deep breath of this plant is all you need. One breath for your mind to soften, your body to settle, your soul to rest. Many mint family plants are used in spiritual healing remedies. Whether as a limpia (cleansing), herbal bath, steams, or anointing oil. One moment is all you need in the presence of this plant to find your own presence. The essential oil is rich and resinous when you rub the leaves; it is most surely something you might roll around in given half the chance.

“Lemon Balm, also known as bee balm (but not to be confused with its spicy relative Monarda!) has a special relationship to honeybees. Ancient lore says that a nymph named Melissa taught humans the uses of honey. It is a long-standing tradition to sprinkle Lemon Balm outside of a new hive to encourage honeybees to accept their new home. The essential oil of Lemon Balm can also be placed inside the hive, and has a calming effect on both the bees and the beekeeper! Honeybees are very attuned to our energy and it’s an honor to enjoy this herb together.” Izzy

“Melissa officianalis! Such a beautiful and abundant mint-family plant that anyone can grow, harvest and enjoy. Its name “Melissa” comes from the ancient Greek word meaning “bee”, as the goddess Melissa was the first to be shown the magic of honey from the bees. This name was also used to refer to the priestesses of the Greek temples, because bees were though to be the purest messengers between worlds and concepts. Lemon balm is indeed a very liminal herb - In my herbal experience, I do find that lemon balm is capable of filling and uniting our many spaces and aspects. My personal favorite is the way that it unifies and tones the digestive and nervous systems in tandem- two things that may not seem obviously connected at first. A dropper or two of lemon balm glycerite or tincture acts as a carminitive and antispasmodic on the digestive tract, while also lifting your mood and balancing your nervous system. I love to work with Melissa in cases of depression as well…even just its zesty taste brightens the spirit and aids in compliance, whilst its other constituents reach deep down to support mood and resiliency. It is truly amazing how many systems and pathways this herb can navigate. It was in my first-ever custom tincture, and continues to be something I reach for often and confidently.” -Isabella