Lemon Balm

This is definitely one of my favourite herbs. It is a member of the mint family and very easy to grow. Fortunately it’s not as rampant as mint so is unlikely to take over your garden, especially if confined to pots. It will emit a fragrant lemony odour when brushed which attracts bees to your garden.

Lemon balm has many beneficial properties when ingested: It is an anti fungal agent as well as being anti inflammatory and anti viral due to the antioxidants it contains. This means it helps with indigestion, certain skin conditions and possibly dementia. However it is primarily used as a mild sedative, it’s relaxing effects caused by its ability to raise GABA levels in the brain.

It is easy to make a tea by crushing and brewing the leaves and the taste is delicious in my opinion. It is readily available to buy and is often found in combination with other herbs in teas designed to combat insomnia. Capsules of varying strengths are also easy to buy.

Personally I like to drink it as a tea in the evening and before bed. I find it helps me to relax after a busy day, especially if I’m avoiding alcohol! In my experience it’s sedating effects are enhanced in combination with valerian.

Occasionally I will take a 1500mg capsule of lemon balm before bed which usually provides me with a very refreshing night’s sleep with no ‘hangover’ in the morning. In fact I usually find I am less anxious the following day. Importantly for me there are also no interactions with my antidepressant medication. A thoroughly recommended herb.