A Haitian Treasure: Melis (Lemon Balm)
Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb in the mint family. Lemon balm, known as melis in Haitian Kreyol, grows best above 70 degrees. It has a fresh, floral, sweet lemon scent, making it a popular essential oil in aromatherapy. It is known for being purifying, balancing, and vitalizing. This also makes it popular as a starting point for perfume materials, soap, and incense.
In Haiti, lemon balm is commonly used as tea, and that's how I'm familiar with it. Growing up, I had simmering cups of Melis tea prepared for me for a variety of reasons. It is really good for treating colds and for calming anxiety. But is known for being especially good at easing the discomforts associated with indigestion.
Fun fact: Lemon balm is often co-distilled with citronella, a plant that is closely related to lemon balm, but is quite different. Haiti is one of the world's TOP producers of citronella, but not of lemon balm.
Some Benefits:
naturally anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-spasmodic
can block some of the activity of the thyroid hormone
calms the nervous system through its citral and citronella components
natural astringent
known to be topically effective against cold sores
relieves nausea, bloating and gas
eases anxiety and stress
Suggested Uses:
as a tea, tincture, or powder concentrate
as a surgical dressing on wounds under proper medical guidance
as a cream to apply to lesions
as an essential oil for steam inhalation
as a natural insect repellent
for culinary uses
as a massage oil