Photograph: Sharron R. McMillan
Mint (Lemon Balm) Melissa officinalis. Melissa is Greek for ‘honey bee.’
This mint is all over our acreage in lovely green clumps almost year round. It has small white flowers full of nectar during the summer.
Makes wonderful herbal tea, iced drinks. Safer than coffee. Tea is beneficial for nerves, jitters, entero spasm, gastro spasm, antibacterial and antiviral properties (it is effective against herpes simplex), insomnia, old age, reduces temperature.
Reduces stress, improves mood and mental performance
Leaves are used in fruit salad, potpourri, as a flavouring in ice cream and in fish dishes, lemon balm pesto.
A better, healthier preservative than beta hydroxy acid in sausages.
The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as a repellent for mosquitoes
Should be avoided by those on thyroid medication
hernibs 