Balm Balm Balm Balm Balm, from the Plant Melissa officinalis , is also called balm mint, bee balm, blue balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, garden balm, lemon balm, melissa, and sweet balm. Balm has the ability to heal wounds, ease indigestion, relieve menstrual cramps, fight cold sores, relax nerves, help prevent sleeplessness - and even repel mosquitoes.
Modern research backs up many of balm's healing powers.
Although Balm has just recently made its mark in American medicine, it's been highly valued by herbal practitioners in Western Europe for some 2,000 years. Balm was considered a must-have plant for Elizabethan herb gardens, and over the centuries it's been a popular home remedy for a host of common ailments. To calm your nerves, aid sleep, ease menstrual cramps and reduce fever, try a cup of Balm tea. Steep for 10-20 minutes, and drink while hot. Balm tincture is another treatment option, with the usual dose being a teaspoon, or less, as needed - up to three times a day.