Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Cancer, Pisces

Cleansing, Clearing

Lemon Balm is a lemon-scented perennial herb historically used to flavor food and for healing. The herb is also referred to as Melissa, the Greek word for honey bee. Lemon balm flowers attract honey bees.  Leaves of the Lemon Balm plant are used to make Melissa essential oil.

Lemon balm is grown world wide but was native to southern Europe and northern Africa.  It prefers full sunlight or part shade. Plants do not like high humidity.  Lemon Balm has bright green leaves, can grow up to 3 feet tall and blooms from June to August with white or cream colored flowers.  Plants are deer resistant.

Lemon Balm seeds are very fine and need very little dirt covering them. Germination takes place 6 to 8 weeks after planting.  Plants can also be propagated through cuttings rooted in water. 

Lemon Balm has been used to sooth digestive disorders, respiratory issues and to calm anxiety and stress.  It is used as an essential oil and tea.

Lemon Balm can be used to cleanse and clear on all levels by setting the intent that healing can take place at the "source" of the illness or distress within the body by allowing "source" of all that is to do the healing. Lemon Balm has a fragrant scent that works to help relax and uplift.  Using the scent, the essential oil or other form of the Lemon Balm leaves benefits us by assisting with relaxation and letting go that's needed to let in the healing energy.  Set your intention to direct the healing energy to clearing the source of the illness or distress.  In conjunction with clearing symptoms of illness or distress, Lemon Balm can cleanse resident symptoms and work to bring the body and mind back into a natural balance. 

Lemon Balm can be used at regular intervals for its cleansing and clearing effects to maintain general good health and well being. It can also be used in a personal ceremony to cleanse chakras, to celebrate good health and well being or to celebrate other uplifting areas of interest to you.

Common names for Lemon Balm are Sweet Balm, Melissa Balm, Heart's Delight and English Balm.