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BALM
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(Melissa officinalis) Top
Pick
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Other Names
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Balm Mint, Bee Balm, Blue Balm, Cure-all, Gorden Balm, Lemon Balm, Meliss, Sweet
Balm, Bloe Balm, Garden Balm, Dropsy Balm, Melissa.
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Description
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Balm is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean and various areas of the
USA. It is
also widely cultivated as a culinary herb.
Balm grows to 3 feet producing delicious lemon scented, teethed
leaves. The
clusters of small, two lipped flowers vary in color from pale yellow to rose or blue white in
color, blooming from July through August.
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Classification
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Dry
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Taste
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Sour
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Cold
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Humor
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Fire
ê Water
ê
Air
Û
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Uses/Applications
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Balm is excellent for common female complaints, nervous problems, hysteria,
melancholy, and insomnia. Balm tea will relieve cramps, flatulence, colic, and some forms of
asthma. It
has also been used for headaches and dizziness related to pregnancy. Rub the oil on your body as a
mosquito repellent.
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Leaves
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The leaves are excellent for depression, tension and as a general nerve
tonic. They
are also ideal for anyone who suffers from digestive upsets when worried or
anxious. Lemon Balm is cool, so it is good for fevers and
colds.
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Bath
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Use to bring on menses or just to relax.
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Compress
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Use a pad soaked in infusion to relieve painful swelling or to clean
wounds.
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Infusion
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Take for depression, nervous exhaustion, indigestion, nausea, and early stage of
colds and influenza.
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Ointment
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Use for sores and insect bites.
It also works as an insect repellent.
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Poultice
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Use a poultice on sores, tumors, and insect bites.
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Tincture
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The tincture has a similar action as infusions, but it is much
stronger.
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Essential Oil
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The essential oil has the same properties as the leaves, but is far more
potent. A few
drops make an excellent antidote for depression.
True Balm oil is difficult to obtain commercially, as it is
often mixed with lemon or lemon grass oil.
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Massage Oil
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Use for tension.
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Ointment
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The ointment is excellent for insect bites and as an insect
repellent.
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Combinations
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Constituents
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Volatile Oil, Polyphenols, Tannins, Bitter Principle
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Action
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Anti-Spasmodic, Calmative, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Stomactic, Emmenagogue,
Sedative, Anti-Depressant, Anti-Bacterial
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Food Values
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None.
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Part Used
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Aerial Parts, Leaves.
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Collection
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Collect Balm before it flowers.
Cut the entire plant a couple of inches from the
ground. Dry
quickly or the leaves will turn black
Once the leaves are dry crumble them. Dried Balm looses its
lemon fragrance, making fresh Balm more effective.
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Preparation
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Cold Extract
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Use 2 Tbsp. herb per cup of cold water. Let stand for 8
hours.
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Compress
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Put 2 Tsp. of Balm in a cup of water. Boil for 10
minutes. Soak
a clean cloth in the tea and place on the area.
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Infusion
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 Tsp. chopped herb or
leaves. Infuse for 20 minutes. Drink as
needed.
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Massage Oil
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Dilute 5 - 10 drops of oil in 20 ml. of Almond or Olive
Oil.
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Ointment
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Mix 5 ml. of oil with 100 gr. of ointment base.
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Powder
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Take 10 - 40 gr. at a time.
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Tincture
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Take 5 - 10 drops three times per day
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Growing Directions
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Balm grows either from seeds or cuttings sown in the
spring. Seeds can be started indoors or outdoors and take about 3 weeks to
germinate. Thin the seedlings to 1 foot apart. Be sure to keep them
moist. Balm likes well-drained soil and partial sun. If it gets too much sun
it will lose its aroma and wilt.
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History
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Medicinally Balm has been highly valued herb for over 2000
years. In
Greece Lemon Balm was known as the “Elixir of Youth,” and it was said to turn sadness into
joy.. It was
also said that Balm “caused the mind and heart to become merry.”
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Additional Information
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1. Chemicals found in Balm, called Polyphenols, repel several types of
bacteria including streptococci and mycobacterium.
2. Balm also contains Eugenol a natural numbing agent for pain
relief.
3. German studies show that Balm can combat herpes and other
viruses.
4. Research has confirmed Balm is a sedative and
anti-spasmodic.
5. In Europe a cream sold containing Balm is an effective treatment for
herpes.
6. Several studies back up Balms healing powers. Varro E. Tyler Ph.D., a
professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy in West Lafayette India, stated “it contains
compounds with sedative, digestive, and anti-spasmodic effects.”
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Cautions
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1. If you have Graves disease use Balm with caution as it may inhibit thyroid
hormones.
2. Do not give medicinal dosages to children under 2.
3. For the elderly it is best to start with low doses, then slowly
increase.
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Moon
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Element:
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Water
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Deity:
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None
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Powers:
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Healing, Love
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Magickal Uses:
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Carry Balm with you and you will find love. Use it in magickal
healing, healing incense, and healing spells.
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