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| Indications: This beautiful herb has many uses, culinary, cosmetic and medicinal. It is often an effective herb for headaches, especially when they are related to stress. Lavender can be quite effective in the clearing of depression, especially if used in conjunction with other remedies. As a gentle strengthening tonic of the nervous system it may be used in states of nervous debility and exhaustion. It can be used to soothe and promote natural sleep. Externally the oil may be used as a stimulating liniment to help ease the aches and pains of rheumatism. |
| Preparations & dosage: Infusion: To take internally, pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 tsp. of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Strain and drink 3 times a day. External use: The oil should not be taken internally but can be inhaled, rubbed on the skin or used in baths. |
| Lemon Balm: Melissa officinalis |
| Part used: Dried aerial parts, or fresh in season. |
| Actions: Carminative, nervine, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, antimicrobial. |
| Indications: Lemon balm is a relaxing, carminative herb that relieves spasms in the digestive tract and is often used in flatulent dyspepsia. It is especially helpful where there is dyspepsia associated with anxiety or depression, as the gently sedative oils relieve tension and anxiety reactions. It may also be used in migraine that is associated with tension, neuralgia, anxiety-induced palpitations and insomnia. Extracts have antiviral properties, and a lotion based extract may be used for the skin lesions of herpes simplex, the antiviral activity having been confirmed in both laboratory and clinical trials. |
| Preparations & dosage: Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 to 2 tsp. of the dried herb or 4 to 6 fresh leaves and leave to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes, well-covered. A cup of this tea should be taken in the morning |
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