Lemon Balm - The Magick Moon

Lemon Balm is cut, and sold by the ounce.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), not to be confused with bee balm, Monarda species, is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is also known as Melissa, Balm or Sweet Balm.

This plant is from the mint family. It is grown not only in herb gardens and to attract bees, but also for medicine, cosmetics, and furniture polish manufacturing. The plant grows up to two feet in height, sometimes higher if not maintained.

In the spring and summer, clusters of small light yellow or white flowers grow where the leaves meet the stem. If you rub your fingers on these leaves, your fingers will smell tart and sweet, like lemons. The leaves are similar in shape to mint leaves.

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 flavor comes from the terpenes citronellal, citronellol, citral, and geraniol.

Lemon balm is often used as a flavoring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. It is also frequently paired with fruit dishes or candies.

Magical Properties:
Zodiac: Cancer
Gender: Female
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Deities: Venus, Jupiter, Diana
Basic Powers: Love, Success, Healing

It can be used in love potions, spells and charms. According to Beyerl, it can be used in rituals to the goddess Diana, as it was thought to have been sacred to her. Lemon balm can also be used in as an ingredient or substitute for related to lunar matters.

Lemon balm may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to lunar matters (compassion, dreams, family, fertility, gardening, healing, love, peace, promoting sleep, prophecy, prophetic or psychic dreams, psychic awareness, sleep, and spirituality. Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. These substitutions do not apply to medical uses. See the article on the Moon for a list of herbal substitutes for lemon balm.

Add to healing incenses and sachets, especially when emotional problems exist. Use in spells and charms to attract love. Used in moon incenses and to invoke Moon Goddess. It is said to lift ones spirits when sniffed.

Lemon balm is a healing herb. Use in healing spells and sachets, in spells for success, carry with you to attract love. It is believed that rubbing lemon balm on a bee hive will encourage new bees and ensure the current ones remain with you.

It may also be used as a bathing herb toward a variety of goals. It may be used as part of the ritual process of invoking the Goddess; it may be used when sharing a ritual bath with one's partner; or it may be used to find the fulfillment of one's personal desires.

Medicinal Usage:
Lemon balm seems to have a mild sedative effect, and to be mildly inhibiting to the growth of bacteria and viruses. In aromatherapy it is specific for insomnia caused by anxiety.

Heartburn Formula:
1 tsp chamomile flowers
1 tsp lemon balm leaves
1 tsp licorice root
1/2 tsp slippery elm bark
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 tsp catnip leaves
1 1/2 cups very hot water
1 1/2 cups carrot or apple juice (optional)

Combine herbs and pour very hot water over them.
Allow to steep for at least 15 minutes
Strain out herbs and add juice.
Drink 1 cup after each meal.
Stored in the refrigerator - will keep several days.

Stomachache Tea:
2 cups boiling water
1 tsp chamomile flowers
1 tsp lemon balm leaves
1/2 tsp catnip leaves
1/2 tsp fennel or dill seeds

Pour boiling water over herbs
Allow to steep for 10 minutes
Strain out herbs and allow to cool.

Culinary Usage:
Lemon balm combines the tastes of lemon and mint. Use the fresh leaves in salads, fruit dishes, poultry, and fish. Use the dried leaves in tea. Lemon balm is a flavoring ingredient in the liqueurs Benedictine and Chartreuse.

Brew this up in your kitchen, and serve it over ice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
2 Cups lemon balm leaves, fresh
Honey or other sweetener
Water

Bring 2 quarts water to a boil, and add the leaves. Reduce heat and allow to steep for about 15 minutes.

Strain leaves out, and then add honey or other sweetener to taste. If the tea is too strong, add a bit of water to thin it out. Pour into an ice-filled pitcher and serve. You may want to add a sprig of mint for garnish.

Cosmetic Usage:
Lemon balm is a good facial cleanser, especially for persons with acne. The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as a repellent for mosquitoes.

To make a lemon-scented bath, tie 1/4 cup crushed balm leaves into a handkerchief or washcloth. Let the water run through the bag until the tub is filled. Infuse as a facial steam and as a rinse for greasy hair.

Usage Example:
Minty Astringent
1 tbsp fresh lemon balm (or peppermint or spearmint)
1 cup witch hazel

Combine the ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Allow herb to steep for 1 week. Strain.
Use 1 teaspoon per application. Refrigeration not required.

Lemon Balm Honey Bee Mouthwash
25 fresh lemon balm leaves
2 oz chartreuse liqueur
8 oz glass jar with screw-top
5 inch square cheese cloth
6 oz distilled water
1 tsp honey
8 oz amber glass bottle with screw top
Coarsely chop lemon balm.

In the glass jar, combine the lemon balm and the liqueur. Set aside in a cool, dark place for two weeks to extract the healing essences from the lemon balm leaves. Shake the bottle once a day.
Place the cheese cloth in a fine-gauge sieve and strain the tincture into a glass bowl. Discard the herb.

Add the distilled water and honey. Whisk to dissolve the honey. Transfer to the amber bottle.

Rinse or gargle twice a day with a half ounce of the mouthwash.

Lemon balm should be avoided by those on thyroid medication (such as thyroxine) as it is believed that the herb inhibits the absorption of this medicine.

NOTE: Although there are medical usage notations provided for Lemon Balm listed above, we are not doctors, and do not provide this educational information as medical advice. We suggest you consult with a physician or certified herbalist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information provided above is strictly informational, and not meant or intended as medical advice. The Magick Moon, nor its employees shall be held responsible, or liable for the misuse of herbs listed in this section.

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