Lemon Balm; Melissa Officinalis: The Gentle Nervous System Healer

I love Melissa herb. It is a gentle healer of the nervous system. The plant called me to use it when I was in my teens and was battling with teen stress and anxiety, and helps ease tension associated with uncertainty.

A Summary of the uses of the herb include:

*The volatile oils calm the nervous system and is great as a tea for mild depression or anxiety. Research shows that taking lemon balm increases memory and alertness in adults under mental stress.

*The Polyphenols the herb contains works against the Herpes simplex virus (that causes cold sores) so it can be made an an ointment for this and taken internally too.

*It can be used for hyperthyroidism (Overactive thyroid) yet

>Lemon balm can reduce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and if taken in large quantities or continually it could possibly interfere with thyroid hormone-replacement therapy. Avoid lemon balm if you have under-active thyroid disease or taking thyroid hormone-replacement therapy

Melissa is a great All round remedy, especially for healing the skin- e.g., for insect stings and is a great Uplifter of the spirit which we need in these stressful times. A Cup of Melissa will lift you out of the blues.

It enjoys full sun, well drained and light compost soil and brings a lot of pollinators to the garden most notably bees who love the flowers-hence the Latin name Melissa.

To learn about other nervous system healing plants see my online teaching here: http://phytoalchemy.co.za/faq/

Empower yourself with Knowledge of Natural Medicine and Healing!