Wild Craft of the Month - Lemon Balm Glycerite

Lemon Balm Glycerite

Melissa; also known as Lemon Balm, is a beautiful herb which would grace any garden. Bees love its flowers, and the fresh green leaves make a wonderful Tisane, the herb is at its most powerful before it flowers.

The renowned Herbalist Paracelsus called Melissa ‘the elixir of life’. It can help to alleviate heartache and anxiety, and has antiviral properties. It is soothing and calming, and can be used as a tisane, a few leaves can be added to green salads and it makes a delicious tincture.

Lemon Balm Glycerite.

Fill a large jar with fresh Lemon Balm. Then and fill to the top with a glycerite solution, which is made of made of 3 parts glycerine 1 part water. Leave in a warm place for 3-4 weeks and then strain and store in a cool dark place. It can be used as a cordial, or undiluted by the teaspoon. For children, warm Tisane (tea) with a little honey would make a calming bedtime drink.