Lemon Balm has been used for centuries to relax the nerves.

About 700 years later in 1696 the London Dispensary wrote, "An essence of balm, given in canary wine every morning will renew youth, strengthen the brain, relieve languishing nature and prevent baldness" referring to Carmelite Water.

 

	Brigitte Mars talks about Lemon Balm

Carmelite Water is a mixture of white wine, lemon balm and other herbs made by the Carmelite Monks the inspiration for Eau de Melisse, a 400 year old cure for a bewildering variety of things including calming the nerves.

Over 300 years after the London Dispensary claimed the herb could "strengthen the brain" researchers at Northumbria University, England, found that lemon balm (Melissa) "can improve cognitive performance and mood".

Aside from the enormous collection of ailments lemon balm is said to relieve it's a pleasant herb in tea and as a dressing for salads and soups. Simply put a sprig into your drinking water to give it a lemony lift.

Lemon balm tea is best when made from fresh, rather than the dried plant.

The essential oil from lemon balm is included in perfume and massage oils. Lemon Balm, native to Europe, grows open woodland to about two feet tall with a four sided stem, a sign of the mint family. The lemon scented oval pointed leaves grow  opposite each other on the stem. The flowers are a light yellow, white to lavender colour.

The herb thrives in full sun to partial shade, needs only moderate watering, and prefers well-drained soil. Bees love it, like the Scorpionweed, and growing lemon balm in the garden will attract them.