Lemon balm as medicine
You can't buy lemon balm in the supermarket. The best way to have lemon balm for a refreshing summer herbal tea is to grow it yourself.
How to Grow Lemon Balm:
Soil: Lemon balm prefers a moist, rich soil
Position: sunny and partly shady. Lemon balm is best kept in a pot because the roots grow thickly and the matted roots can be hard to dig out if they are left to grow unrestricted.
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Height: approximately 50cm
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Propagate: easiest by root division in spring when the new growth has begun.
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Pests and disease: can occur if the plant recieves too much shade during the day and fungus is allowed to grow.
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Harvesting: lemon balm can be harvested at any time, however the leaves are more flavoursome just before the plants begin to flower.
Cooking With Lemon Balm:
Lemon balm has strongly lemon-scented foliage and is often used in herbal teas or added to cold water for a very refreshing summer drink.
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The flavour goes well with fruit, salads, fish and poutry. It can be used with or in place of lemon in recipes.
Companion Planting:
Lemon balm is said to be beneficial when grown with many vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, tomatoes and melons.
Medicinal Uses of lemon balm:
The leaf of the plant is rich in essential oils, in particular, citral and citronellal, which have calming and soothing actions on the body.
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In herbal medicine, lemon balm is used to treat colds and flu, to calm nerves, to induce sleep and to calm the digestive system in conditions such as IBS.
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Lemon balm is anti-viral and has been used effectively to treat cold-sores.
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For a calming effect, try using lemon balm in the bath. Place a handful of lemon balm in a cloth bag and run the bath with warm water. Soak for at least 20 minutes and relax. Lavender, chamomile or rose petals could also be added in this way for a beautifully fragrant bath.