Lemon Balm - Herb Of The Week

Happy St. Patricks Day!

I am going to share some great information today on one of my favorite herbs.

Lemon Balm

Good for so many things, it should become a staple in your herb garden.

People use lemon balm for a wide variety of uses. Lemon balm can flavor or garnish food and drinks, create refreshing lemon-tinged iced tea, be dried out and mixed in potpourri for its invigorating lemony scent, or be added to home remedies for its various medicinal properties. With all these uses and benefits, some people may want to grow a patch of lemon balm at home. Homeowners with lawns need to clear the grass to provide lemon balm with a suitable garden bed.

Read more: How to Grow Lemon Balm Instead of Grass | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7624444_grow-lemon-balm-instead-grass.html#ixzz1pPvgdrMA 

 1)  Select an appropriate site for the lemon balm's garden bed. Choose a site that receives full sun to partial shade throughout the day.

2) Add a general-purpose fertilizer to the selected site. Till the grass in the area to a depth of 6 to 12 inches to create a garden bed for the lemon balm and mix the fertilizer into the soil. Remove any remaining clumps of roots or grass by hand after tilling.

Lemon Balm is wonderful for so many things.

Insomnia and Anxiety

• Lemon balm has traditionally been used as a mild sedative and treatment of sleep issues. Its calming properties make it helpful for relieving anxiety-related health problems, as well as insomnia. Studies have found that especially when combined with other calming herbs, such as valerian, hops and chamomile, lemon balm can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Keep in mind: Although there are no recognized drug interactions, it's always important to exercise caution when using sedative-hypnotic herbs.

Herpes

• Lemon balm is also said to have antibacterial properties, which can inhibit the growth and spread of viruses. As a topical treatment, it may help to heal the sores associated with the Herpes virus (HSV). According to research at the Maryland Medical Center, "in one study of 116 people with HSV, those who applied lemon balm cream to their lip sores experienced significant improvement in redness and swelling after only two days." Lemon balm is also effective as a topical treatment for wounds, cuts and scrapes.

Indigestion

• Lemon balm contains a plant chemical called eugenol, which calms muscle spasms and numbs tissue, making it a compelling cure for indigestion. As a tea it can ease spasms or dyspepsia related to anxiety, as the soothing infusion helps to expel gas from the stomach. Studies also demonstrate that lemon balm extract increases bile secretion and protects the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers. The tea is extremely gentle and soothing, making it suitable for even the most upset stomachs, as well as for children.

  
  

  I hope you find all this information on lemon balm useful and add this wonderful plant to your own herb garden if you don`t already have it.

  
  

  As Always

  Keep It Clean!

  JoAnn

  
  

  Au Naturelle