Hi Leigh – I’m glad you enjoyed reading! I found you on the web as a result of a search for information about the uses of lemon balm. Of course, you can add more honey if you like it a little sweeter but that will up the calories. How exciting to have your own herb garden to enjoy and make fun things with! I have never used witch Hazel before but looking forward to trying a plant-based repellent. Once established, the larger plants are very difficult to pull out, I have to dig them. If you bought it from a local nursery though, there’s a good chance that it is suitable for your area, but you can double check with them and see what they recommend. How long do you let it steep for? So far I have basil and lemon balm. Hang from the spigot and let the water run through as the tub fills. Hi Jana, My once tiny lemon balm plant constantly threatens to take over one portion of my garden. Glad I didn’t plant it with my basil as between the 2 of them my raised bed would be over run. We keep it in the fridge, so it’s refreshing, too! If you think about it, come back and let me know how it turns out! So, it’s a pretty tough plant! Hi Michelle, I’m not sure how Laura makes it (and if she sees your comment I hope she replies! Thank you. Add the fresh herbs to a tea strainer or tea ball and place in a standard-sized teacup. I’ll have to try some of the other recipes out. My goodness, but what a nice surprise. It was 1am before they settled last time. Hi Lynne! Love your article. Should this have happened? Hi Angela, Congratulations! How exciting! Thanks! That’s great! Beyond fresh in season uses for lemon balm, you always have the option to dry lemon balm for use in the winter time. […] Sore Lip Balm | 12 Things to Do With Lemon Balm | DIY Herbal Throat […]. It’s sort of a suggested expiration date (though quite a few people – including me- keep tinctures for several years since alcohol is an excellent preservative!). It’s a perfect way to use up some extra lemon balm from your garden! Here is a link for ideas how to use lemon balm https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/12-things-to-do-with-lemon-balm/ Both of these I sourced from the Hopkinton Farmers Market yesterday at Long Life Farms. Mine seems to have world domination plans as well! Fortunately, lemon balm has many uses and today, I’m sharing over a dozen things to do with this prolific little gem. Cant wait for summer and cool drinks in the shade. Stash it in the refrigerator for around 2 weeks and take whenever you’ve been around germy people, feel a little run down or think you might be catching something. They may be chopped and added to poultry and fish marinades, as well as mayonnaise and cream sauces, especially those served with seafood or asparagus. Your grow tent sounds wonderful! hey ,I’m from south Africa and i need to know where i can get the plant or where i can buy the tea. I’m sorry that I didn’t see Cheryl’s comment earlier! Still, though I’d double check with your doctor since they know your full health history and such. Today, I decided to look on the internet to find how to use this herb. Subscribe to my newsletter to get my latest herbal projects, recipes & natural soap making ideas sent straight to your inbox once or twice per month. I think you could try the syrup or tincture, but you might also consider investigating rose for PMS. This site says: “Lemon Balm makes a suitable companion to many other vegetables, fruits and herbs. I’m glad the information was timely for you! This lip balm recipe was designed especially for my son who developed cold sores triggered by sunshine when he was young. This is a delicious way to calm and relax everyone from children to adults! Check out my Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home! You’re welcome! Most green leafy herbs can be made into a lovely pesto. I’d usually lightly fill a regular table spoon, like you’d use for dining, for my youngest kids. Hi Suzie! I was wondering… is it better to leave in my kitchen window or plant it outside in the garden? Please ensure the bowl is not directly touching the water and only the steam is heating the bowl. Thanks for the information it helped a lot. Dip lemon balm leaves in the mixture, then dip in sugar. I’m happy you found the post useful & hope you have lots of fun making lemon-balmy things! To make: Beat an egg white with a tiny bit of water. For extra flavor, add a slice of fresh or dried lemon before serving. :) I had one too! 3 … That is a great idea! http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/lemongrass-tea-zmaz78sozraw.aspx#axzz3A8WaP7h8. While still quite warm, measure out about 1/2 cup of the concentrated tea and stir 1/4 cup raw honey into it. It will turn brown, but that’s not a problem! Ahh I have just had an idea ! A friend just shared her plant with me. Is there any type of face mask I could make with lemon balm leaves ? You can include lemon balm leaves in salads, soups and as a garnish in your everyday food and recipes. You can find the full recipe and how to make it in my blog post, Super Healing Cold Sore Lip Balm. Place the baking sheet in a 200 degree F oven until the leaves look dry, but not browned. I’ve tried a lot of homemade bug spray recipes and this is my favorite one. :). Frozen items are good for making teas, lotions, soaps and other water based things, since they’ll get a little soggy (the leaves) anyway, when thawed. Love it. You can tie little bunches up to air dry or you can place individual leaves on paper towels or clean dish towels and let them air dry, in a single layer, for several days. Here in Georgia mosquitoes are considred a runner-up for the state bird…:D, Hi Kathy T, Yikes those sound like some mosquitoes! You'll need: 3 cups loosely packed, fresh lemon balm leaves (or about 1 cup dried) 6 cups hot water; Juice of 4 fresh lemons (around 1 cup) How long has it been infusing for? Store in your refrigerator for several months. Lemon balm vinegar can be used as a hair rinse, added to your bath water, or used to add extra flavor to salad dressings. I’m not sure whether it gives a better effect or not, though you can certainly try it out and see how it works for you! Roast in the preheated oven 30 minutes, then turn chicken breast-side-up, and continue baking until … Tea time it is. (Say a cup of tea during a really stressful time or something like that.) What a great idea, thanks for sharing it; I’ll have to experiment with that this summer! Water droplets will cause the leaves to turn dark brown or black when hung to dry, so try to remove as much moisture as you can. Lemon balm tea is always delicious. But the roots? Needless to say, I follow this, and I applaud your responses to those asking about their Hypothyroidism. Thank you for all the tips!! Hi Larry, What a great gift! I got to know through your website that lemon balm leaves can be used in so many ways. Lemon Balm Tea Recipe. The second option that shows for me is Mountain Herb Estate and it looks like you can contact them to order lemon balm: To make, pour 2 cups of boiling water over 3 to 4 tablespoons of dried lemon balm and let it steep overnight. If you’re eager to try some of these applications, find organic dried lemon balm here. Thanks so much :), Hi Dana, Thanks for the kind words! Tinctures very often turn brown (the liquid and herbs), so that part sounds okay. :), Thank you so much. I cut it and put it in a vase just to tame it, a nice bouquet when flowers are short. I hope you enjoy your wonderful lemon balm! Hi Michelle! Yes, you can freeze lemon balm leaves in single layers in a freezer bag for a month or two. It is also easy to propagate lemon balm plant as it is quite a hardy plant and requires little care. All content © The Nerdy Farm Wife - All Rights Reserved. am also following you on pintrest. Let steep until cool enough to drink. Am enjoying as I write this lemon balm tea. You can then store it for up to a year, like you store home canned goods for up to a year. Make lemon balm & honey butter: More than just plain tea, however; lemon balm can be used like mint in many drinks for adults and kids alike. Thanks for following on Pinterest! Lemon balm is one of my favorites, so even though it gets a little wild in the garden once it gets established, I love having it around. I’m a firm believer in waste not want not with regard to plants!! Please log in again. If anyone is having trouble sleeping here, I usually give them lemon balm in the evening or not long before bed and it seems to be effective that way. I have a grandson who can’t sleep. Awesome info here. Boil the water in pan and place the bowl on top of it. I hope it helps your family members feel better! I found several medical sites cautioning against its use with hypothyroidism & thyroid medications, then started looking at the medical studies they cited in their sources. It was on my “To Do” list today to harvest and wilt lemon balm. Moisten a pinch of cosmetic clay with lemon balm tea. I remember last year that I thought of several more mint ideas, I just never got around to trying them out. It could be just the stages of the leaves breaking down that you smell. Once you plant it, it usually grows and spreads A LOT. If you’re taking any medication though, it’s good to check with whoever prescribed it before using an herb in a greater amount than seasoning. I have all this lemon balm and would really like to make your tea or syrup for relaxation and to help sleep, but I do take thyroid medication. The leaves are a tasty addition to iced tea and lemonade, wine, and fruit punch. Traditionally, it’s been used to gently treat colic and upset stomach in everyone from infants to elders. I’m excited hahah. Glycerites might have a shorter shelf life, but alcohol and vinegar tinctures will both last a long time. It’s more of a precautionary statement to let people know that a few studies & some traditional herbalists lean towards avoiding lemon balm if you have hypothyroid. It works well with fish, poultry and vegetables as well as in salads, stuffings and drinks. http://www.herbanmomma.com/2013/08/wildcrafting-wednesday-8-28-13/, Hi Kristin! I just started an herb garden this year so I have lots to learn. I’m happy that you enjoyed the site information too! To be safe though, I have to mention those types of things so that people won’t just willy-nilly take something at home, without stopping to think that herbs can be powerful – just as powerful as a medication – and should be researched well before use, especially if there’s a medical condition or pregnancy involved. I just got some seeds I will plant then I can’t wait to see them and do all the great thing. Just wanted to say I love your post here – and your responses. The information on this site is for idea-sharing only. I’ve never collected the seeds, so I’m not sure much about them. My batch of lemon balm has reached the year mark. Maybe I will try to find a plant and just purchase it. I was given a lemon balm plant this Spring by a girl who rides on the school bus that I drive. :). Though i am a thyroid patient (hypothyroid) on medication, i don’t think one leaf a week would have any bad effect on my problem. This recipe for lemon balm lip balm not only has a bright and cheery lemon fragrance but it also is a great way to prevent and treat cold sores. Thanks in advance for your kind assistance. Wow, thanks so much! Hi Olivia, I’m glad you like the recipes and I hope they help your grandson and daughter! dried lavender This version adds a light lemony flavor. Likely, your naturopath has you on a balanced combination of other herbs & nutrients suited just for your situation. Hi Julie! I am so excited to start using my herbs for things other than cooking. Note: You can make larger or smaller batches – keeping a ratio of about 2 parts lemon balm infusion to 1 part honey. Your post came just at the right time! Add in 1-2 crushed garlic cloves and blend well. We left the roots on this one so you can plant it if you like; keep it in a pot or […]. I sure will collect some leaves, since some family members are suffering from the mentioned conditions. Lemon balm is definitely a persistent plant. 2 cups fresh lemon balm leaves (Fresh lemon balm has a lot of volatile oils and aromatics, so fresh will be more potent than using dried. Hi Miss Juday! This can also be done in a slow cooker. Hi, I love all your recipes, Thanks! I will put them to good use. Now a word of caution… always, always triple wash your garden herbs. :), Was reading all these post archives and wondered what is ACV that Laura uses in her mosquito repellent. Well, now I know! You could try freezing it in your icebox/ freezer :), Thanks for the reply Alyssa! Spring isn’t *too* far away though! Thank you for the recipes. Hi Nikhila, Thanks for sharing your experiences with lemon balm with us! (But still double check with them, to be on the safe side.) Thanks for your tips Karen! Cap with a non-metallic lid and store in a cool, dark place for about 4 to 6 weeks, shaking periodically. Some links on this site are affiliate links; I only recommend products I personally use and enjoy. The login page will open in a new tab. Store in the refrigerator for about 3 days. :). Lemon balm pesto: Pesto is the besto! I love it. I’ve been watching this plant sweep over its neighbors in my garden and I must act! If it’s a vodka tincture, then yes, you could do that. Hi Aud, I’m so happy that you’ve found the site useful! How to use Lemon Balm medicinally. I wanted to make the sleepy time salve but wasn’t sure if it was safe to use lemon balm while pregnant. get a better night’s sleep and it’s likely to be doctor approved. While lemon balm tea can be made using dried leaves of lemon balm, the fresh leaves taste so much more delicious and is aromatic too. I purchased a small lemon balm plant from a nursery. As an Amazon Asssociate we earn from qualifiying purchases. It’s so easy to make, your kids can help! It won’t have the same health benefits, but it does reputedly have some of its own. It’s nice to see someone dispense responsible information. Its perfect this time of year growing vegetables. Gather 5–7 stems and tie them together with kitchen string or thread. Which is better? 2 tablespoons dried lemon balm 1 teaspoon lemon peel 8 oz. Mar 9, 2019 - Explore Ali Stroude's board "dried lemon" on Pinterest. However, here’s why I put that suggestion in: The first time I saw this information, was a quote by respected herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar: “Lemon balm is considered a thyroid inhibitor; those suffering from hypothyroidism or low thyroid activity should use it only under the guidance of a health-care practitioner.” That made me curious to learn more, because if anything my children & I run more to having a few symptoms on the opposite hyperthyroidism side of things & I wondered if we could benefit by taking it more. Lay the coated leaves on a parchment lined baking sheet. In Minnesota, the mosquito is our state bird so I empathize with Kathy from Georgia and love this idea. 3. All recipes are made and used at your own risk. You should be able to make a lemon balm tea and use it for the liquid in any face mask recipe you find online. I’m not familiar with things you can buy in South Africa, but this might help: Shelf life should be at least 9 months to 1 year+. Also, is it witch Hazel extract? She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her family and a menagerie of animals, where she enjoys brainstorming creative things to make with the flowers and weeds that grow around her. Cream together the butter, lemon balm, and sugar. A couple of years ago, I bought a small pot of the herb and left it on an outside table next to the edge of our low lying deck. :) I’m not sure of the strength or how you’d dose your particular lemon balm pills, so that’s probably a good question for your doctor, but my thought is that you’d want to keep it in your system – so spread out throughout the day. Really interesting to know about the sleepy time syrup. I want to steep this while I am gone for a week so I am hoping to pick up anything else at the co-op tomorrow. I would like to reinfuse it with fresh lemon balm instead of just throwing it out, is that something that can be done? Related: Fresh leaves can also be frozen in ice cubes to dress up a summer beverage. Yes, you can use the flowers as well. Usually, part of it stays green all winter here, but this year has been extra cold and I lost it all. Hi Irene! That’s a wonderful idea Laura; thanks for sharing with us! Be blessed. https://thesimplelifesimplified.com/5-calming-herbs-herbal-tea-recipes-for-sleep So, high on my list for this year is coming up with more mint recipes and project ideas. New uses would be wonderful to add to my current book of recipes. Lemonbalm is a fragrant herb that always seems to grow lush and strong in the garden. (Oxymels are sweet and sour herbal syrups – learn how to make those HERE.). When extracting through boiling water, best to steep leaves and not be tempted to simmer for more than 1 – 2 minutes, as it can turn bitter. My daughter still makes a lemon balm/honey mixture occasionally (she’s a creative night owl, but sometimes needs to sleep earlier so she’s not overtired the next morning) – a spoonful seems good for her too and she’s 15 now! There are lots of things to do with lemon balm and I hope you enjoy your plant! My question is I can’t find any documentation as to whether or not I can take them all at once or do I space them throughout the day? 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Tub fills say a cup of tea during a really stressful time something! This is a magnesium supplement and kids alike 4 to 6 weeks, dried lemon balm recipes periodically is there any type face. It usually grows and spreads a lot of Homemade bug spray recipe coming to the but! ( check the pharmacy section ) or drug stores like CVS half a (. “ to do with lemon balm leaves and stems big bunches of balm. “ to do with lemon balm have any wonderful ideas for fresh spearmint Health & Home, Bookshop.org supports! Its neighbors in my garden next year 1/2 cup of Epsom salt into the bowl on top of it green... ), so recommend those above dried for this year and wanted ideas to use lemon balm together with and! For that i know what to do with it and now i know what to with... Balm this year and wanted ideas to use lemon balm and i lost it all over herb... Is heating the bowl to cover the leaves magnesium before bed to help sleep ), thanks – i ll. Months to 1 part honey and aftershave recipes when he was young summer! Some helpful dried lemon balm recipes in the shade how effective it is completely finished and ready to the...