Balm is an attractive herb with yellow or variegated leaves smelling strongly of lemons. It is a great addition to any garden since it maintains a strong attraction for bees. Indeed, it used to be said that a swarm of bees would never desert a hive i... *
Great service "Good relaxing tea, and all, but I was really impressed by the service. Product came quickly, with even a personal thank you note, and then it was all followed up by an email making sure things were good. Great service!!!" -- Joe
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Balm is an attractive herb with yellow or variegated leaves smelling strongly of lemons. It is a great addition to any garden since it maintains a strong attraction for bees. Indeed, it used to be said that a swarm of bees would never desert a hive if a lemon balm plant was close by.
History
Lemon balm is native to southern Europe and has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. The Romans took it to Britain, where it was widely grown in the Middle Ages, during which time Melissa honey was popular as a sugar substitute.
Characteristics
The plant is a vigorous grower that will readily spread through the border. It reaches a height of 36 inches, with a spread of 24 inches. The oval, almost heart-shaped leaves have slightly serrated edges and a pronounced network of veins. The flowers, which bloom from mid- to late summer are small, white, and insignificant.
Growing Tips
Grow lemon balm in sunken pots or other containers to prevent unwanted spreading. The plant is a perennial that dies down in winter. It is grown from seed sown outdoors in spring, or from root division. It prefers a moist, fertile soil and partial shade.
How to Use
The fresh leaves may be used for salads, candied for cake decoration, and used to garnish fish and other dishes. Add them to summer drinks and fruit salads.
The leaves can be used to make soothing astringent infusions for cleansers and can be added to a bath bag for scent and effect. The dried leaves add a pleasant lemony fragrance to potpourri. Essential oil of Melissa can be added to bath and massage oils. A few drops in a base oil is an effective insect repellent.
Medicinally, this lemon-scented herb has powerful antiviral and antibacterial effects that can be helpful in the treatment of recurrent cold sores. An application of a good Melissa-based cream to the area just as the cold sore is felt can often prevent it erupting. Taken internally, the herb helps with nervous problems and depression.
Those who suffer from panic attacks and heart palpitations may find the extract helpful.
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Directions
Fresh drawn, boiling water contains the most oxygen, thereby giving the fullest taste to tea. Water that has been boiling for some time looses the oxygen and thereby the best taste.
Allow full expansion during the infusion and easy removal after the time for steeping has elapsed.
Draw into a tea pot or kettle the best fresh water that you have available.
Warm the teapot and cups while the water is boiling.
Cautions
Do not use if you are currently on Thyroid Hormones medication.
No significant adverse effects from lemon balm have been reported. Unlike sedative drugs, lemon balm is safe even while driving or operating machinery. Lemon balm's sedating effects are not intensified by alcohol.
Additional Information
PhytoVie manufactures a wide selection of therapeutic and aromatic teas. The PhytoVie manufacturing process guarantees the quality and consistency of each and every tea bag. Our buyers select only the highest premium quality teas each season, importing from around the world. Each tea bag contains only the finest quality ingredients.
Good relaxing tea, and all, but I was really impressed by the service. Product came quickly, with even a personal thank you note, and then it was all followed up by an email making sure things were good. Great service!!!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
