WILD CRAFTING WEEDS - LEMON BALM TINCTURE

‘Melissa Officinalis’ is a herbaceous perennial that provides lemony leaves in spring. Lemon balm is a plant that grows in abundance within our sanctuary. I used to consider it a nuisance. However after learning about it's wonderful properties, I really appreciate this highly medicinal plant.  It’s a herb that requires little maintenance and the bees love their flowers. It spreads on its own and will stay vigorous right up until frost. As my partner can not tolerate the smell or taste of lemon balm, we decided to make a tincture.

LEMON BALM TINCTURE

METHOD

• Collect enough leaves to fill 2/3 of your container. Wash the leaves thoroughly. 

• Then just about cover the leaves with 96% alcohol (or any strong neutral spirit like vodka).

• Cover the jar with a lid and put it in a cool, dark place. Every now and then, check on it and give it a shake. You will see how the colour of the liquid gradually changes from an initial light teal to a gorgeous deep green.

• Let it infuse for 4-6 weeks.

• When you are ready, use a fine mesh cloth to strain out the lemon balm, squeezing as much liquid out as possible.

• Store the tincture in little eye dropper bottles. (It will last for years I am sure!) Start with taking one dropper dose at a time.

Lemon balm's volatile oils seem to have many benefits from promoting sleep and relaxation to helping digestion, easing headaches and PMS symptoms, depression and anxiety. It also has great anti-viral properties so it is worth storing away for Winter months.

Making a lemon balm tincture is a great way to utilise the plant for its amazing benefits throughout the year without having to brew yet another tea!

Although I still need to wait a couple of weeks for my tincture to be ready, I'll update you with our final outcome!

And Happy Beltane! X

*Never start any herbal therapies until you talk to your doctor. Do that first–especially if you have any health conditions or take prescription medications.*

Some people have had allergic reactions to lemon balm such as anaphylactic responses and rashes. As with any herb, use caution if lemon balm is new to you.