We have been talking about Lemon Balm this week and while I consider it a nectar for both the physical and emotional body, I thought why not have some fun and talk about some of its lore and its affinity with the bees as quite literally a nectar?
The latin botanical name for Lemon Balm is Melissa officinalis. Melissa in Greek translates to honey bee and the nectar of the Lemon Balm flowers attract bees. Ancient beekeepers were known to rub the leaves on the hives to attract the bees or to keep a swarm from leaving. Bees are not only drawn to the plant through pollination and collection of nectar, but also to the scent itself. It is said that the bees' pheromones contain constituents that are also found in Lemon Balm which makes this a symbiotic relationship and creates a deep attraction to each other. There is a magnetism that only nature can create.
In Greek mythology there were Bee Priestesses known as the Melissae that served the Goddess Demeter and served the bees themselves which are seen as sacred across many cultures and through many timelines. They were the ancient beekeepers and knew that honey was the elixir of life and that lemon balm was also a plant of power, expansion, and longevity. Demeter and her priestesses reigned over fertility of the lands and bees are a part of the synarchy required for life on Earth. They are sacred and so are the plants that feed them and humans.
Later in the 16th century the alchemists also knew the potency of Lemon Balm. The alchemist Paracelsus believed Lemon Balm could revitalize every part of the body and that it contained the quintessence that brings together all systems in our inner world and outer world synergistically. So much power for such a gentle plant.
On the soul level it assists us in accessing our inner child and creating a sense of light-heartedness while at the same time assisting us in seeing things from a higher perspective and a more expansive point of view. It helps us step out of the stories we are running and return to a sense of wonderment. It is this sense of wonderment and lightheartedness that helps us see things more clearly and to not take life and ourselves so damned seriously. And in turn that makes us more magnetic and amplifies our ability to bring into our lives those things that serve our highest good.
In today's modern herbalism we do in fact see it have an affinity with many systems within the body, in particular the nervous system which in my view is the starting point when creating homeostasis. If our nervous system is depleted or too amped up it affects other systems within the body. When we get our nervous system regulated we can get to work on healing other parts of the body, but it is difficult to focus on the journey of healing when our souls and emotional bodies don't feel vital. For me Lemon Balm brings about an overall sense of vitality and zest for life. Not to mention a HUGE amount of joy and playfulness. Just the smell of it is so uplifting and yet grounding at the same time. It is inspiring, and given that it is a plant related to the Air element which also represents being inspired, feeling lifted up, and relates to being calm of mind so that we can use the mind as a servant to the heart I find Lemon Balm to be my go-to when I am in need of inspiration for myself, or for others that I mentor and teach. It also helps me to bring my intensity down a notch or two. When I get passionate about something I can be a little intense, or so they say. Lemon balm assists me communicating my passion about a subject without it seeming heavy or too heady.
Lemon Balm also has an affinity with the heart, the gastro-intestinal system, and the immune system. And when we use lemon balm as an overall tonic it goes to work, much like the bees-systematically, intentionally, and synchronistically. However, Lemon Balm can be contraindicated for anyone taking synthetic thyroid medication or who has hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's.
I love Lemon Balm in all its forms. As a tea (especially for cooling in the summer), as a tincture and I absolutely LOVE the essential oil which is named Melissa not Lemon Balm. However, this plant does not give up her essential oils easily and therefore is a very expensive oil, to be used sparingly. The hydrosol is much less expensive and just as lovely, especially as a cooling spritz.
At Anna's it is available as a bulk herb, a single tincture, and is an ingredient in several tea blends and tincture formulas. Below are a few favorites for summer as it is considered a cooling plant as well! And we are also excited to be receiving fresh Lemon Balm this week to make a powerful and high vibe tincture from.
Jitterbug Tea
Lemon Balm Extract
Stress Away Day Extract
Queen of Hungary Water
I hope you enjoy these tidbits on the lore of Lemon Balm and my wish is for you to go into the hive of wisdom on this plant and do a little bit of research if I have inspired your curiosity.
