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| rope for its antispasmodic and carminative (gas-relieving) properties, lemon balm is a common ingredient in after-dinner digestive aids such as melissa water or melissa tincture. It is often combined with chamomile and peppermint, which have similar properties. |
| Lemon balm is used in Europe as a topical remedy for both cold sores and genital herpes. In a 1994 study of 115 patients suffering from cold sores, 60 percent had complete healing after four days of applying a melissa cream five times daily. After six days, 87 percent were healed and after eight days, 96 percent were healed. Cold sores usually last 10 to 14 days without treatment. A strong (medicinal strength) infusion of lemon balm can be applied as a wash several times daily to speed the healing of genital herpes. |
| Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) |
| Most familiar as an ingredient in black candy ropes and other confections, licorice root is so sweet and aromatic that it's often used to flavor herbal teas. Because of its relaxing effect on the digestive tract, especially the stomach, it is an effective treatment for ulcers. It is also recommended for adrenal exhaustion, stress, hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue, sore throats and chronic coughs. |
| Unfortunately, untreated licorice has side effects. Glycyrrhizin, its most active principle, can cause edema (fluid retention), heartburn, and, in some people, headaches. It should not be taken by those with high blood pressure. These side effects are well-documented in German medical texts, for licorice has long been prescribed by that country's physicians for ulcers and stomach pain. One common result of daily licorice overconsumption is a round moon face caused by fluid retention. |
| In Europe, licorice roots are now treated to remove their glycyrrhizin content, but in the U.S. and Canada, the roots |
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