what and how is lemon balm used for?

Answer 1

I throw a handful in the pot when I'm making chicken stock for soups, etc. RScott

Answer 2

It's used as a calming tea, good for headaches & toothaches, and reduces stomach cramps, bloating, indigestion and nausea.

Lemon Balm has an essential oil that is antifungal that relieves skin infection and breakouts & helps heal lip sores. An infusion of leaves makes a refreshing skin toner & a rinse for oily hair. It's also used as a facial steam for dry skin.

Medical use:
Insomnia and anxiety: In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 18 healthy volunteers received two separate single doses of a standardized lemon balm extract (300 mg and 600 mg) or placebo for 7 days. The 600 mg dose of lemon balm increased mood and significantly increased calmness and alertness.
Herpes:Some studies suggest that topical ointments containing lemon balm may help heal lip sores associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Other Uses:Although few rigorous scientific studies have been conducted on lemon balm, many health care professionals suggest that this herb is beneficial for a variety of health problems, including Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, indigestion, gas, insomnia, and hyperthyroidism. Experimental laboratory studies also suggest that lemon balm has antioxidant and anti-HIV properties, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lemon-balm-000261.htm

Leaves are used both fresh and dried as a seasoning in salad dressings, sauces, soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, and confections.
When candied, the leaves make attractive cake decorations. The leaves can also be added to summer drinks and fruit salads, and make a good substitute for lemon peel in recipes.

If you completely cover a chicken in Lemon Balm leaves & roast ...it will be delicious & moist

Lemon Balm Vinaigrette
3 Tbls. lightly flavored olive oil
1 tsp. fresh lemon balm leaves
1/8 tsp. salt
1/16 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
2 Tbls. rice wine vinegar

Dried leaves give potpourris a lemony smell.

Art Tucker, research professor at Delaware State University states that Lemon Balm may be a better choice for a homegrown mosquito repellent than the so-called "Mosquito Plant," and says it's easy to grow from seeds and contains mosquito repelling citronellal, geraniol and geranial. The crushed leaves are rubbed on the skin to keep mosquitoes away.
http://www.herbsandnaturalremedies.com/herbal-insect-repellent.htm

Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 3

Lemon balm is used mostly to add a lemon flavor to herbal teas. It can be used alone, but its also very good if you combine it with other herbs such as peppermint or spearmint.

I've also used chopped lemon balm leaves in fruit salads to give a slight lemon flavor and added color.

Answer 4

Use as lemon tea, add to salad dressing or deserts

Answer 5

I steep some in vinegar to add to salad dressings.

Answer 6

it also makes a great insect repellent