Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a wonderful botanical for these challenging times. It is a member of the mint family, which is why it can be hard to distinguish until you get close and breathe in its potent lemony aroma. We love walking past this fresh herb in the garden because its invigorating scent is therapeutic on its own!
Medicinally this plant can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and has been described as a “gladdening” herb for centuries.Studies have shown that it promotes a sense of calm throughout the body, especially when it is stressed out, and can assist with cognitive focus. Lemon Balm can be integrated into your evening wind-down as it is calming and soothing to the nervous system and is a favorite remedy for headaches after a long day.
You can prepare a Lemon Balm infusion by steeping it in hot (not boiling) water for a minimum of 5 minutes. A tip for making any tea is to always keep your infusion covered while it’s steeping as it protects the medicine-filled essential oils from evaporating into the air! I encourage you to sip this grounding tea slowly and mindfully, with no distractions, so that you can more deeply experience the magic and healing that is being woven into your very cells.