Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Aromatic Note: Middle note
Description:
There are three species of perennials in the genus. This species has been cultivated for over 2000 years.
Most likely originally grown as a bee plant, giving rise to its name, which is Greek for “honey bee.”
Lemon Balm’s therapeutic values were heavily promoted by Arab physicians in the 10th and 11th centuries.
It’s name in many European countries is “hearts delight,” and infusions of the dried herb were thought to cure heart diseases and melancholia.
Monograph:
Family: Lamiaceae
Synonyms: Melissa, balm
Origin: Southern Europe, West Asia, North Africa
Parts Used: dried leaves
Aroma Description: pleasant, citronella-like, fresh, sweet, herbaceous
Cosmetic Uses: perfumery, aromatherapy
Culinary Uses: leaves are used in herbal teas
Medicinal Attributes: a cooling, antibacterial, antiviral, sedative herb that lowers fever, improves digestion, relaxes spasms and peripheral blood vessels. It’s used to inhibit thyroid activity, treat nervous tension, anxiety, depression, palpitations, tension headaches, etc.
Essential Oil: Yes, steam distilled essential oils are available. One of the most frequently adulterated oils on the market. A genuine oil is very difficult to find.
Mixes Well With: basil, cardamom, cedar, chamomile, eucalyptus, frankincense, juniper, lemongrass, mastic, vetiver, peppermint, geranium, lemon peel, lemon verbena, orange peel, etc.
Attributes
Products & Learning
Lemon Balm - Dried Leaves
from Mountain Rose Herbs
Lemon Balm Essential Oils
from Amrita Aromatherapy
Japense Incense
Baiedo, Shoyeido, and Others
Learn Aromatherapy
from JennScents Aromaversity
