Melissa officinalis
Other names: Balm, Melissa, Sweet Balm, Balm Mint, Bee Balm, Blue Balm, Cure-all, Dropsy Plant, Garden Balm, Sweet Balm
Family: Labiatae

Description
It grows to 70-150 cm tall. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint. At the end of the summer, little white flowers full of nectar appear. These attract bees, hence the genus name Melissa (Greek for 'honey bee'). Its flavour comes from the terpenes citronellal, citronellol, citral, and geraniol.

Parts used
Blossomed tops, essential oil and leaves.

Usage
Lemon balm is used in herbal teas, both for its flavour and its mild sedative properties. The tea is recommended for high blood pressure, depression, to induce perspiration and relieve fever due to cold and flu, and to ease menstrual cramps, insomnia, headaches and nervousness. The crushed leaves help heal wounds and insect bites. It is a key ingredient in certain perfumes and cosmetics.
It is antispasmodic, calmative, carminative, diaphoretic, menstrual, and stomachic. It is useful for all sorts of nervous problems. The balm also relieves cramps, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, chronic bronchial catarrh, and some forms of asthma. It had been tried for migraine and toothache, and, during pregnancy, for headaches and dizziness. An infusion of the leaves added to bath water is said to promote the onset of menstruation.

Concoction: We boil 1 spoonful of leaves in a glass of water for 2-3 minutes and drink 3 cups daily.

Infusion: Drop 1 table spoonful in 250ml of boiled water, then steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink with honey, sugar, or plain.

Cold extract: Use 2 tablespoons per cup of cold water, let stand 8 hours.

Poultice: Eases joint pain.

Compress: Breast swelling and contusions.

* The information here should not be considered medical advice, and you should always consult a physician before beginning any herbal therapy.