Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis This sunny lemon scented herb is in the mint family. It grows like a weed once its established. Her leaves make a delicious infusion that is one of the best herbal remedies for depression and anxiety. She was even said to “heal a broken heart”. In the summer I make sun tea with fresh lemon balm for a solar infused ambrosia. Just cut the top 6 inches of several plants, give them a rinse and pack them into a glass jar. Fill the jar with water and leave in a sunny spot to infuse for several hours. Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Lemon Balm infusion is often used for stress during pregnancy and for postpartum depression as it is a gentle, safe herb. This lovely herb has anti viral properties and can be used internally as a Tea or Herbal Extract for viruses and colds. It is also famous for topical application specific to the herpes virus. Tulsi Ocimum basilicum Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, opens the heart, promotes devotion, clarity and provokes a meditative state of mind. Also known as Holy Basil, the herb has antiviral properties and can help break a low-grade fever. The infusion of her dried or fresh leaves is a favorite of my daughter who likes to add a dollop of honey to the brew. I grow a temperate variety of Tulsi which is extremely easy to grow in our area and may be a bit weedy in a garden like mint. She is a cousin of sweet basil and grows well in a pot. I often take the Herbal Extract before yoga and meditation to facilitate a calm, sattvic state. In India Holy Basil is revered as a representation of the Goddess and is tended as such. There is a certain connection to our Mother Earth that needs reintegrating. All pre industrial cultures interacted with the natural world in a more intimate way. I believe we have lost our way. These times are a call to action. You are the heroine of this journey. We each need to become the care takers of our mother Earth and find friends in her creatures. Journey back to the garden with me.
~ Ingrid Maria and I have potted up several of these herbal allies to share with you. They are available at the shop for a limited time. all photos and artwork are my own.
2 Comments
Chris Murphy
6/8/2021 07:55:03 am
Love this! Thank you Ingrid!!
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Claire
6/18/2021 04:33:54 pm
Beautiful, the plants spring to life on the page! Very insightful : )
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AuthorMaria and Ingrid are Co Owners of STL Herbs and Aromatics. They have been working in the field of Herbal and Aromatic Medicine for over twenty years. This blog is intended to inform and empower people to begin utilizing plant medicine for personal health and well being. Archives
January 2023
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