Balm tea, which is also known as lemon balm and Melissa tea (from its botanical name Melissa officinalis), has a delicate lemon-mint flavor and is valued as a carminative and a reducer of fever. Long considered to be one of the most restorative and soothing of herbs, lemon balm is worthy of cultivation in the garden patch and can be used fresh in teas. Lemon balm is said to soothe the digestion, calm the nerves, and help in the fighting of herpes simplex virus.
The leaves of sweet-smelling lemon balm are commonly used for teas, tinctures, and essential oils. A lemon balm tincture can be administered to the upset or overwrought child, or similarly to soothe the nerves of the overworked parent, and the dried leaves can be mixed with peppermint or chamomile to create a relaxing tea blend. Use 1 teaspoon of dried leaves to 2 cups of boiling water. Balm tea has value as a nerve soother, and an Arabian proverb goes even further: balm tea “makes the heart merry and joyful!” If you plan on living a hundred years, this gentle tea might help you reach your goal, for legend tells that balm wards off old age.
Fresh or dried balm will impart a delicious lemony flavor to fish, lamb, and poultry stuffing; or sprinkle it on your salad.
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