LEMON BALM

Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis) has mild sedative and mood enhancing properties, and is commonly used to treat insomnia, anxiety and depression. It also helps reduce fever, ease nausea and relieve gas. Lemon balm has also been shown to have antiviral properties and is used as a topical cream or ointment for cold sores, promoting faster healing.

To make an infusion, loosely pack a teapot with fresh leaves, add boiled water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. Fresh leaves can also be thrown into baths to act as a herbal sedative. To make a cold sore treatment, infuse 1½ tablespoons of fresh or 3 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves in one cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and dab onto spots 3-5 times daily. Consult your doctor before taking lemon balm if pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.

Lemon balm is a hardy perennial that grows 60cm-80cm high, dying down in winter. Plants are easy to grow from seed or cuttings. Sow seed in trays in early spring, or take stem cuttings from vigorous growth in late spring/early summer. Plant in free-draining but moist soil in sun or part shade.