Family Name: Labiatae
Botanical Name(s): Melissa officinalis
Popular Name(s): Balm, Lemon Balm, Melissa, Sweet Balm, Balm
mint, Bee Balm, Blue Balm, Cure-All, Dropsy Plant, Garden Balm, Sweet
Balm.
Parts Used: Herb, Leaves, Volatile Oil and Polyphenols.
Habitat: A native of South Europe, especially in mountainous
situations, but is naturalized in the south of England.
Description: Balm is a perennial plant. It grows wild in fields
and gardens and along roadsides. It has an upright stem that grows as
high as 3 feet. Light green-toothed ovate leaves grow in opposite pairs
at each joint. The flowers may range in color from pale yellow to rose
colored or blue white.
Uses: Balm is a useful herb, either alone or in combination with
others. It is excellent in colds attended with fever, as it promotes
perspiration. Used with salt, it was formerly applied for the purpose of
taking away wens and had the reputation of cleansing sores and easing
the pains of gout.
