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Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Print E-mail
Didi Hofmann   
Wednesday, 16 November 2005

Lemon Balm

At this time of year we can all do with as much Lemon Balm, or Melissa, as we can find. A soothing cup of Lemon Balm tea works wonders for panic attacks - whether it's Matric exams or just the stress and anxiety of meeting end of year deadlines.

Make a quick cup of tea using two or three sprigs of lemon balm (4-6 teaspoons fresh leaves), pour over boiling water, and let it draw for five minutes, strain and add some honey (optional). If you are really tearing your hair out, drink a cup three times a day. Because it's a proven nerve tonic it will help you to relax, and reduce feelings of anxiety, mild depression, restlessness, and irritability. It also helps with indigestion, acidity, bloating and colicky pains that usually accompany stress.

Best used fresh, you should grow your own supply. Plants are readily available and they grow easily in moist rich soil with filtered shade. It's a perennial that tends to die down in winter so it's a good idea to cut it back hard in spring to encourage new growth. Although it's a member of the mint family, Lemon Balm is not invasive and makes a rather attractive garden ground cover that attracts bees and has a gorgeous lemon scent. Plant lots because you will always be picking it for a quick pick-me-up tea or as a delicious addition to fruit salads, fruit drinks and even fresh salads.

Di-Di is the owner of Bouquet Garni Nursery - South Africa's Top Potted Herb Growers and Marketers. You'll find hundreds of tips and recipes to help you get the most from your herbs, and his insanely popular FREE Timeless Herb Secrets e-newsletter, on his website www.herb.co.za.

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