Regarded as a cure all by the Greeks, this herb’s botanical name, Melissa, comes from the Greek word for honey due to bees knowing a good thing when they see it.

Originating in the Middle East, the Romans brought this plant to Britain and it became an important herb in the monastic apothecary gardens. As late as the 18th century, lemon balm was still being touted as an elixir of youth.

An extremely gentle herb with no known side effects, it treats anxiety, stress, insomnia, panic attacks, palpitations and even severe depressions such as post-natal. Also helpful with digestive upsets, it can be used safely with children. It is anti-viral and studies show it to be very effective with herpes/cold sores, either taken internally or used topically as a cream. It also works well as an insect repellant.

Culpeper recommends a syrup of it “kept in every gentlewoman’s house to relieve the weak stomachs and sick bodies of their poor and sickly neighbours”. As lemon balm is very easy to grow in a pot or the ground, there’s no reason not to heed this advice. When used fresh, it makes a truly delicious tea that, as Culpeper says, “causeth the heart and mind to become merry”. Easy, tasty, great for the soul – lemon balm is nature giving it to you on a platter.

This information is purely for the interest of the reader and should not be taken as medical advice. If you wish to utilise herbal remedies, please consult a qualified herbalist before doing so.