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BALM : Melissa officinalis
Other Names: Sweet balm, Lemon Balm, Garden Balm, Melissa.
Habitat: The name Melissa comes from the Greek meaning Bee, which
indicates this herb's long-recognized fine bee-attracting
capacity. For this reason it was an old favorite for
planting around hives. John Gerard mentions that in the
sixteenth century the leaves were even rubbed upon the
hives in an effort to keep the bees happy. The plant
posseses a short root and a squarish stem (when cut
sectionally) with joint pairs of toothed, heart-shaped,
or oval leaves sprouting on either side of it. Both the
leaves and the creamy yellow flowers give off a strong
lemony smell when crushed. Though the leaves and stems
die off each year, the root is perennial, which makes it
a good choice for your herb garden. It will thrive in any
type of soil, and can be grown from seed, seedling, root
division in spring or fall, or cutting (if you are
clever). Like most of the simples, it requires the
absolute minimum attention : just make sure it has enough
water, gets weeded from time to time, and has its
straggling dead wood cut back in the fall. (You might
also want to stir the earth between its roots once or
twice a year).
Properties: Balm has been used from time immemorial as a wound
dressing, for it is rich in ozone and therefore strongly
antiputrescent It also makes a flavorful and mildly
sedative tea to aid in opening the pores to reduce fevers
produced by Flu or chest colds.
Balm tea: Infuse 2 teaspoons dried herb in 1 covered cup boiling
water for 15 minutes (Or 1 ounce herb to 1 pint boiling
water if a larger quantity is required). Strain, and
flavor with sugar or honey and a twist of lemon, if
desired, before drinking.