Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm probably originated in Turkey and quickly spread throughout the mediterranean and Europe. During the medieval era, lemon balm was grown in monistaries and was an ingredient in Carmelite water, a sacred tonic for the nerves.
A favorite of bees, it is said that lemon balm planted near a beehive will prevent swarming and keep them home.
Lemon balm is imminently relaxing. It my favorite tea for late night anxiety and its resulting insomnia. It works every time without the hangover you get from more modern remedies, and no worries about sleepwalking. I am told it is also good for digestive complaints, ADHD, Alzheimer's, colic and high blood pressure, also that it has anti-viral action, particularly against herpes related viruses and can be used in ointments to treat lesions.
Its fragrance is delightful added to potpouries and cleaning solutions and it adds a cheerful energy to an area. My husband says it smells more like Lemon Pledge than lemon, and maybe this is true, I am not going to buy a bottle of the stuff to find out, but if it does, then Pledge choose a good, clean smell for its product.
Lemon balm can be used in place of lemon peel for many recipes. It's not an exact match, but it's still good and it imparts a somewhat different magickal energy. I especially like it in shortbread cookies.
Lemon balm can be added to dream pillows and to promote a deep, restful sleep. Lemon balm's energy is all about being refreshed, cheerful and generally robust.
Correspondences
Element(s): Water -
Planet(s): Moon Venus
Zodiac Sign: Pisces -
Season: Summer
Sabbat: Feast of May
Deities:
Gender: Feminine
Cheer, joy, health, rest, energy
Recipes that contain Lemon Balm
Notes from the Test Kitchen
Tell us about your experiments and experiences with this magical food.
