Hi ~
I use Lemon Balm, first of all, as my "calming remedy" along with Evening Primrose. It's one of the few herbs, along with Catnip, that are safe to use with children.
~ Some of its medicinal values: it is anti-viral, sedative, calming, anti-bacterial, anti-flu and anti-cold, antidepressant, anti-PMS, and anti-IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), to name only a very few of its many properties.
Use it on Cold Sores, for Herpes and Shingles, and it helps to PREVENT colds and infections, too. For the above, I use as a tincture, but a strong infusion will work in a pinch.
Other Uses:
1) It's great to soften the harsh taste of black teas, so you can add it to them if you also drink caffeinated teas.
2) Lemon Balm by itself or with other herbs (Spearmint, Lemon Verbena, etc.) makes a great herbal tea. Steep for at least 10 minutes to get the full flavour. It also makes a great Iced Tea! This herb is a "CALMING" herb, so it's not recommended to use with herbs that are stimulating, like Ginseng or Peppermint.
3) This herb is wonderful, chopped up, in a fruit salad.
4) Add it to a green salad, again chopped up, sprinkled in or added to the salad dressing... which could be very simple and healthy:
Canola or Olive Oil (full of Omega-3s)
Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
Garlic, if desired but not necessary
Chopped herbs: Spearmint, Lemon Balm, Thyme and Parsley (only suggestions, add your favourite salad herbs here)
Season to taste (I love "Spike," my seasoning of choice)
MIX all together and pour generously onto salad
Herbal Blessings
Natural Self
http://she.soulopen.com