If there is a presence to be known in a garden run wild, to forever be lush and unmistakable, it is Lemon Balm. To be quite honest, Lemon Balm is one of the first herbs that got away on me. Left unchecked, she will demand her presence known, soaking up the energy of the earth and sun with such an excitement for life. She is bright and zesty, green and full of vitality. Lemon Balm is a vivacious presence in the medicine garden, a vigorously growing mint-family herb. One of the first to burst to life in spring, I trim my row of Lemon Balm almost like a hedge, bundling up armloads of green leafy stems to take to the cabin to dry. This plant is both a culinary and medicinal herb, lovely as a tea or fresh in a salad or pesto. The lemony scent is uplifting, appealing even to children, and can be used as a bright and gentle relaxant for seasonal depression (SAD) or anxiety, or digestive upset related to stress. Lemon Balm is also helpful in treating symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Taken tonically, as a tea or tincture, she can strengthen the heart and circulatory system. Topically in a salve, she is a very effective treatment for HPV, and other viral infections. High in calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, tannins and bitters.
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