Armenian Melissa Tea

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.