Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

This easy tgrow herb spreads readily in the garden and is good ground cover.

Medicinally it is a relaxing tonic for anxiety, mild depression, restlessness and irritability. It reduces feelings of nervousness and panic and can even quieten the palpitations that may accompany these. Often used with St John’s Wort for SAD.

Lemon balm is useful when over anxiety is causing digestive problems such as indigestion, acidity, nausea, bloating and colicky pains. It is also useful for cold sores, chickenpox and shingles. It is best used fresh, a couple of sprigs to a cup of boiling water or as a tincture of fresh plant. Can also be used to flavour cooking