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Melissa comes from the Greek for ‘honey bee’ and lemon balm has the same healing properties as honey and royal jelly. Paracelsus made a preparation of it as he attributed it with qualities for renewing youth. It makes an excellent antidote for depression and tension. It is also good for people who suffer with digestive upsets when worried or anxious. It is good in feverish colds as it has cooling properties and can be used externally on sores and swellings. Constituents Volatile oils – citronella, polyphenols, tannins, bitter principle, flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, Character Chinese herbal medicine regards it as cold, dry, sour, slightly bitter Action It traditionally acts as a sedative, antidepressant, digestive stimulant, it can relax peripheral blood vessels, promote sweating and have antispasmodic properties Application Infusion This is traditionally used for depression, nervous exhaustion, indigestion, nausea and early stages of a cold Tincture It has stronger effect than the infusion and can be used for the same symptoms. Use 5 – 10 drops Compress Soak a pad in the infusion and can be used in swellings such as gout Inhalation This may be useful in nasal congestion. Put a few leaves in boiling water.
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