What is lemon balm used for?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).

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Is lemon balm poisonous?

Lemon balm essential oil is very toxic undiluted. In large doses, it produces narcosis and it is considered a narcotic. Doses above 2 g per day have produced hypotension, slow heartbeat and difficulty breathing. You can also ask what parts of lemon balm is edible? leaves The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after. Lemon balm has a long history of a wide array herbal medicine uses, in particular for soothing, calming and raising the spirit – just one smell of the crushed leaves does all of these for me.

How do you identify lemon balm?

Recognize it Lemon balm is part of the mint family and like all mints has square stems. It is best known for its fresh lemon scent. Crush the leaves between your thumb and forefinger, it's unmistakably lemony. The leaves are oval and have a toothed edge. Can you eat lemon balm? When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.

Also, can you drink lemon balm?

Lemon balm is used to treat a variety of medical disorders affecting the digestive tract, nervous system, and liver. You can drink it inside a tea, take it as a supplement or extract, or rub it on the skin in the form of balms and lotion. Lemon balm essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy. Keeping this in consideration, can you eat lemon balm leaves raw? Lemon Balm can be used both in hot and iced teas and in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. The plant is also often used as a flavoring in ice cream and its also suitable for spicing up chicken and fish dishes. Early fresh leaves can be chopped and added to salads.

Does lemon balm keep mosquitoes away?

Lemon Balm contains high levels of a compound called citronellal, which gives it its lemony aroma and flavor that bugs find so unpleasant. The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.