USE : Place 2 teaspoon melissa ( lemon balm ) herb with leaves & flowers in a cup , pour boiling water and steep for 15 minutes , then strain
The word Melissa is the abbreviated Middle Latin form of the Greek word melissóphyllon, which means ’bee leaf‘. The name comes from the Greek word mélissa or mélitta meaning bee itself derived from meli meaning honey. Officinalis is New Latin and means ‘in use pharmaceutically’. The reason for this is that in antiquity, Lemon Balm was cultivated as a food for bees. Virgil and Pliny reported that, due to its strong aroma, leaves of Lemon Balm were rubbed on new beehives to entice the bees.

The medical use of Lemon Balm has started more than 2000 years ago. In the 10th century, Arab physicians used the plant to fortify the heart and to treat melancholy. In the Capitularies of Charlemagne the order was given for Lemon Balm to be planted in every cloister garden.

Melissa is popular as a tea infusion. As a seasoning it is extremely versatile, particularly in oriental foods and summer beverages. It is also an important ingredient in herb liqueurs such as Chartreuse and Bénédictine and in spirits such as Carmelite.

BENEFITS
Treats insomnia
Eases indigestion
Treats herpes lesions and cold sores
Helps treat Alzheimer’s symptoms
Relieves stress
Helps reduce anxiety
Boost cognitive function
May help relieve indigestion
Can help treat nausea.

Health Benefits

Better Sleep
Chamomile tea’s most well-known to promote sleep. It is known for its relaxing and soothing properties and is often taken before bed to promote restful sleep.

Stomach Soother
Chamomile is helpful for a variety of stomach problems. It soothes stomach aches, eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, promotes elimination, and assists in overall digestion. It is often found in teas for digestion in combination with peppermint.

Menstrual Cramps
One study found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms. Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea helps menstrual cramps.

Hemorrhoid Help
One study found that chamomile ointment was helpful in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Cold Fighter
Chamomile has immune boosting properties and helps in the fight against colds due to its antibacterial properties.

Wound Healing
The Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used chamomile flowers in a poultice and applied them to wounds to speed healing. They must have been on to something. In one study, rats given chamomile extract in their water experienced faster wound healing.

Diabetes Management
Chamomile tea is being studied for its beneficial effects in the management of diabetes. In one study, daily consumption of chamomile tea was found to prevent the progression of diabetic complications and hyperglycemia.