Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is quite an ancient herb. Its use goes back over 2000 years and its use was recorded by the Greeks and Romans in particular. In fact, one of the first mentions of the herb was via Theophrastus of Eresus, a Greek philosopher who wrote the Historia Plantarum, which roughly translates into “Enquiry of Plants.”
The Greeks also noticed that lemon balm and bees had a very interesting relationship with each other. If lemon balm grew near a beehive, the bees would never abandon it. Tudor-era England took this lemon balm/bee pairing to the next level by planting it in areas specifically created for the cultivation of honey. Finally, the well-known English botanist Nicholas Culpeper (the author of Culpeper’s Complete Herbal) observed that it had a positive effect on those with weak stomachs and digestive issues.
It is well-known for calming the mind as well as the various components of our nervous and digestive systems. Additionally, if you have trouble with mood, depression, or insomnia, then it can definitely help take the edge off those ailments. Lemon balm also has antiviral properties as well and is commonly used as a natural form of treatment for cold sores.
In this article, we’re going to go over how you can make your own lemon balm tincture in the comfort of your kitchen.
A Primer on Growing Lemon Balm
The best time to plant lemon balm is in the months of April, May, and June. It is ready for harvest around July, August, or September depending on when you initially plant it. However, you can speed up the process by sowing seeds indoors as early as March.
Lemon balm does best in sunny locations with soil that isn’t too moist. It’s also well known for self-seeding, so if you just want a small amount of lemon balm plant material then be sure to cut back the flowers before they seed.
When the plant is ready for harvest, just pick the leaves as you see fit throughout the summer. It’s an easy-to-grow herb that won’t cause you much hassle. And if you don’t have a massive plot of land in your backyard, don’t worry. Container gardening is more than adequate to grow enough of the herb for all of your tincture-making needs.
Making Lemon Balm Tincture
Once you have enough dried lemon balm leaves, you can easily make a tincture. Here’s how:
- Put finely chopped lemon balm leaves into a clear glass jar with a lid that fits snugly. A clear canning jar is a great choice.
- Pour a clear liquor, such as vodka, over the dried lemon balm leaves until they are fully absorbed.
- Put the lid on the jar and gently shake the concoction for a few minutes.
- Put the jar of material in a dark place, such as a cabinet or cupboard, and let it sit for around 4 weeks. Letting it sit longer will only make the tincture more potent.
- Strain the leaves from the mix, leaving only fresh tincture. Store away in a cool, dark place.
How to Use Lemon Balm Tincture
Tinctures are a fantastic way of preserving the herbs you grow, as they can last up to 5 years on the shelf. They are also great for their simplicity of use. You can put just a few drops in water, tea, or fruit juice and get fast effects depending on the herb used in the tincture.
If you want to use a newly created lemon balm tincture, just put a few drops of the tincture in warm water prior to bed. This promotes a more relaxed state of mind, which also leads to higher-quality sleep.
Something else you can do if you deal with intermittent stress at different periods of the day is to take a dropper full of tincture during those high-stress periods. This can help soothe your nerves and keep you from becoming anxiety-ridden.
When to Avoid Lemon Balm Tincture
Lemon balm is generally considered to be safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Individuals taking medications for thyroid disorders or who are on sedatives shouldn’t consume lemon balm, as it can interact with those medications. While lemon balm specifically isn’t well-documented for causing adverse effects on women who are expecting, it’s still safer to avoid herbal tinctures during pregnancy as a precaution.
Be sure to talk to your local general practitioner or herbalist before taking any herbal tinctures if you have any safety concerns.
The Differences Between Tinctures and Essential Oils
Tinctures are liquid extracts of herbs that can be ingested orally. This is done by taking raw herbal material and putting it in something that breaks it down further, such as vodka or grain alcohol. This extracts the medicinal ingredients of the herb over a period of time. Once that process has occurred, the liquid is strained from the plant material and bottled for use.
Essential oils, on the other hand, are plant oils that are extracted via steam distillation. They are much more concentrated in terms of medicinal value and because of this can only be used topically or for aromatherapy purposes.
Relax With Lemon Balm Today
While it is relatively simple to make lemon balm tincture on your own, if you’re looking for something that’s more powerful (or simply want to avoid the hassle), you can purchase a high-quality lemon balm essential oil instead. (We recommend this one, since the brand is reliable, focuses on safety, and aims to source sustainable products.)
Essential oils are more concentrated when it comes to raw plant material, so you’re getting more medicinal effects with each use. They also can penetrate the skin quickly, giving swift results. Additionally, essential oils are highly aromatic, which can help to unlock different sensations such as euphoria and relaxation.
Don’t let the stresses of daily life get you down. Let lemon balm soothe your heart and soul and give you the relaxation you deserve.