Lemon balm
Lemon balm’s scientific name is Melissa officinalis, and it belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The aerial parts of lemon balm are used.
Taste Profile
When consumed, dried meadowsweet has a sweet taste, along with aromatic and hay-like flavours, and some people also notice medicinal and almond notes. It offers a well-rounded, mellow flavour when enjoyed as a simple beverage, reminiscent of summer evenings in a meadow!
Active Constituents
Salicylic acid, volatile oil, spireine (salicylaldehyde), gaultherine, flavonoids, tannins, mucilage and coumarins
Therapeutic Properties
Analgesic, antacid, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, relaxant, stomachic and urinary antiseptic.
Traditional Uses
Meadowsweet has a long history of traditional use as a gentle remedy for digestive issues such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. It is known for its ability to ease excess acid and indigestion. Additionally, it was one of the original sources of aspirin and is valued for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in addressing headaches and musculoskeletal issues like arthritis.
Contraindications
Do not use when there is a known aspirin sensitivity. Do not use alongside anticoagulants.
Taste Profile
Dried lemon balm has a potent, perfumed flavour with both citrus-lemon and minty notes. Depending on the harvest, the herb can taste slightly sweet or a little sharp. As a simple, lemon balm tea makes for a very refreshing drink, and it works very well as an iced tea too.
Active Constituents
Volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols.
Therapeutic Properties
Analgesic, antihistamine, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, decongestant, diaphoretic, nervine, sedative, and uterine tonic.
Traditional Uses
Lemon balm has traditionally been used as a soothing and calming remedy for the nervous system. It helps to relieve stress, tension, anxiety, aids sleep, eases headaches and migraines, palpitations, and stress-related hypertension. It also improves mood and concentration. As a decongestant, diaphoretic, and antiviral, it is a useful herb during respiratory tract infections, especially at the earliest stages of the illness. Its antiviral nature is helpful when the immune system is weakened and vulnerable to minor viral infections. Lemon balm, like German chamomile, is an excellent digestive remedy, especially when tension is at the root of the problem. It is particularly useful for allaying nausea and vomiting.
Contraindications
Do not use alongside thyroid medication.