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By Blair Doucette
RNM Blog Uncategorized
April Herb of the Month: Lemon Balm, The Herb That “Makes The Heart Merry”

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is an aromatic member of the Lamiaceae family and, therefore, is thought to have high antioxidant potential.1 It’s a fast-growing perennial, native to southern Eurasia, and later naturalized in North and South America and beyond over the generations.2 This global spread lets us know just how widely used and depended upon lemon balm really is! 

 

Common name: Lemon Balm

Latin name: Melissa officinalis

Part Used: leaves

Benefits: Nervine (supports and calms the nervous system), Cognitive Support, Antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms), Antiviral, Carminative (dispels gas),  Antioxidant

Taste:  sour, sweet, bitter

Energetics: cooling and slightly drying

History:

Traditionally, its lemon-scented leaves were used for problems with indigestion specifically associated with anxiety, as well as for its carminative (meaning it helps dispel gas), sedative, and antispasmodic (relaxes muscles) properties.3 Folk medicine practitioners have also used it topically to treat genital and oral herpes.4,5

 

Historically, descriptions of lemon balm can be found in ancient Turkish texts from thousands of years ago, where lemon balm was planted near bee hives to encourage the swift return of honey bees after collecting pollen. Its name is even derived from the Greek word melissa, which means a honeybee, and the Temple of Artemis beekeepers used it to keep their honeybees happy and healthy.6 

 

Additionally, throughout the Renaissance, lemon balm was prolifically used as an aromatic tonic called Carmelite Water. The recipe for Carmelite Water was so prized that Louis XIV, XV, and XVI of France granted patents for it under the name ‘Eau de Melisse des Carmes.’  The Carmelite friars who were known to make this tonic kept the recipe and its patent untouched and secret.  All that’s known about the patent recipe now is that it was made of lemon balm, coriander seeds, angelica root, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves pounded together and steeped in wine. Historically, bathing was such a rare occurrence at the time, so lemon balm was used to mask the constant odor, which made this tonic sell like hotcakes (or whatever the Renaissance equivalent of hotcakes is). It also covered up the almost constant stench from illness and death (so many plagues, so little time!). 

Benefits:

Effects on the Nervous System:

Lemon balm is highly concentrated in compounds called volatile oils (such as citral, citronellal, and geraniol). All of these volatile oils have demonstrated a calming influence on the nervous and digestive systems while also producing anti-inflammatory effects. Lemon balm has also demonstrated through studies to be effective at producing sedative and sleep-inducing reactions, with higher doses being helpful in the treatment of headaches and dysmenorrhea (painful periods).7 Further, foods containing lemon balm often produce mild improvements in mood and cognitive performance.8 

 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

Lemon balm contains many beneficial compounds, such as rosmarinic acid.9 Studies show that Rosmarinic acid specifically produces strong anti-inflammatory results, and therefore, it’s used in supplemental treatments of cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and depression.10 Additionally, the volatile oil citral, mentioned above, is anti-inflammatory and can counterbalance the effects of free radical damage.11

 

Digestive Tract Issues:

As mentioned above, lemon balm is a carminative, so it’s especially helpful at dispersing excess gas after a meal. It also contains specific components that aid in bile production, which helps break down fats. Basically, a cup of lemon balm tea is the perfect addition to any after-meal treat!

Emotional Aspects of Lemon Balm:

Lemon balm is calming yet uplifting, especially to the emotional heart. Therefore, it’s a perfect pairing for hyper-sensitive emotional states. It’s also said to remove blocks and provide comfort to those who have experienced shock or panic. Additionally, it symbolizes feminine energy, intuition, and emotional healing.

Recipes

Carmelite Water Recipe with Lemon Balm by Mountain Rose Herbs -Makes about 3 cups.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon balm leaves or 1/4 cup dried organic lemon balm
  • 1/4 cup dried organic angelica root
  • 1 Tbsp. dried organic coriander seed
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest (about 1 small organic lemon)
  • 1 tsp. fair trade, organic (cassia) cinnamon chips
  • 2 fair trade, organic whole cloves
  • 1/8 tsp. freshly grated fair trade, organic nutmeg
  • 1 bottle of organic dry white wine

Instructions

  • Combine all the herbs and spices in a glass quart jar.
  • Pour the wine into the jar.
  • Stir well.
  • Cover with a lid.
  • Steep for 4 to 6 hours.
  • Strain through several layers of cheesecloth or a coffee filter and compost the herbs.
  • Place the infused wine in an airtight container and chill for several hours.
  • Enjoy within 3 to 5 days.

 

Bees Knees Mocktail Recipe by Mountain Rose Herbs – Makes 2 drinks.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water + 1/4 cup, divided
  • 10 organic juniper berries
  • 1/4 cup organic lemon balm
  • 1 tbsp. raw, local honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
  • 3 tsp. organic apple cider vinegar

 

Instructions

  • Add 1 cup water and juniper berries to a small pot.
  • Put on medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.
  • Then, lower heat and infuse for 10 minutes.
  • Add lemon balm and infuse for another 10 minutes.
  • Strain out herbs and stir honey into infusion.
  • Add to cocktail shaker.
  • Pour in the remaining 1/4 cup water, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar.
  • Add ice and shake until nice and chilled.
  • Pour into cocktail glass.
  • Garnish with lemon and enjoy!

 

Loving learning about herbs? Check out some of our past herbs of the month!

 

March, Violet: Cleansing and Cooling

February, Hawthorne: Great for Heart Health

January, Fennel: Combat Gas and Bloating

 

References

  1. Hohmann J, Zupkó I, Ré dei D, et al. Protective Effects of the Aerial Parts of Salvia ofJicinalis, Melissa ofJicinalis and Lavandula angustifolia and their Constituents against Enzyme-Dependent and Enzyme-Independent Lipid Peroxidation. Planta Med. 1999;65(6):576-578. doi:10.1055/s-2006-960830.
  2. Rosemary Gladstar. Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Storey Publishing; 2012.
  3. Ulbricht C, Brendler T, Gruenwald J, et al. Lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis L.): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(4):71-114.
  4. Astani A, Navid MH, Schnitzler P. Attachment and penetration of acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus are inhibited by Melissa Officinalis extract. Phytother Res PTR. 2014;28(10):1547-1552. doi:10.1002/ptr.5166.
  5. Rudolf Fritz Weiss, MD. Herbal Medicine. 6th ed. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd.; 1991.
  6. LEMON BALM. https://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/our_research_files/lemon_balm.pdf

7.Soulimani R, Fleurentin J, Mortier F, Misslin R, Derrieu G, Pelt JM. Neurotropic action of the hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa Officinalis in the mouse. Planta Med. 1991;57(2):105-109. doi:10.1055/s-2006-960042.

  1. Scholey A, Gibbs A, Neale C, et al. Anti-Stress Effects of Lemon Balm-Containing Foods. Nutrients. 2014;6(11):4805-4821. doi:10.3390/nu6114805.
  2. Carnat AP, Carnat A, Fraisse D, Lamaison JL. The aromatic and polyphenolic composition of lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis L. subsp. officinalis) tea. Pharm Acta Helv. 1998;72(5):301-305. doi:10.1016/S0031-6865(97)00026-5.
  3. Bulgakov VP, Inyushkina YV, Fedoreyev SA. Rosmarinic acid and its derivatives: biotechnology and applications. Crit Rev Biotechnol. 2012;32(3):203-217. doi:10.3109/07388551.2011.596804.
  4. Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of Melissa Officinalis L. Essential Oil in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells (PDF Download Available). ResearchGate. https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/261762686_Apoptosis- Inducing_Effects_of_Melissa_ofJicinalis_L_Essential_Oil_in_Glioblastoma_Multiforme _Cells. Accessed August 17, 2017.

 

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By Blair Doucette
RNM Blog Uncategorized
March’s Herb of the Month: Violet

This month’s Herb of the Month: Violets

Looking around our local landscapes, starting in March, we begin to notice the at-first small and then undeniably robust signs of spring emerging. Signs of life seem to crack open from the cold of winter. And all of a sudden, the vibrancy of green crawls over our natural spaces. Looking at your lawn or any patch of grass that isn’t sprayed with lawn care chemicals, you might notice the beginnings of the violet season. When given the chance, these little beauties will spread their celebration of spring and can easily maintain a steady presence year after year. I like to take a mental note of the first violets I see every year. Like many plants deemed “weeds,” violets have a deep history and medicinal benefits.

Common name: Violet
Latin name: Viola sororia
Parts Used: flowers, leaves, stems
Benefits: Soothing, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant, Lymphagogue (stimulates the production and flow of lymph), Vulnerary (promotes wound healing), Diuretic, and Mild laxative,
Taste: aromatic, slightly sweet, and slightly salty
Energetics: cooling and moistening

History:

There are about 500 species of violets around the world, so of course, just about every corner of the world has a historical account, myth, or legend about violets. Folklorically, there is a myth from an ancient people group from what is present-day Turkey that seems to be inspired by the Greek and Roman myths of Venus and Adonis. In this story, the great mother earth goddess Cybele loved Attis. Wild boar killed Attis while he was hunting, and violets sprang up wherever his blood touched the ground. Violets were also used in ancient medicine for gout, headaches, and dry hacking coughs. They were also used to flavor wines and sweeten dishes.

Benefits:

Violets can be used medicinally as teas, tinctures, salves, syrups, and food. They’re very high in minerals and can be used internally as a blood cleanser, respiratory remedy, and lymphatic stimulant. They have a cooling and moistening impact, so they’re helpful in respiratory remedies. Violet tea is an excellent companion for a sore throat. They also have a slightly mucilaginous property and are able to soothe hoarse or raspy bronchial tissues. In European Herbalism, violets, along with marshmallow and licorice roots, were used for ailments such as bronchitis and whooping cough. In addition to its mucilage, violets also contain soluble fiber, so they may positively affect cholesterol levels and microbiota integrity (since soluble fibers feed our gut bugs).

Violets can be used topically as a salve for chafed skin, eczema, hemorrhoids, and abrasions. Their cooling and moistening properties can soothe inflamed skin.

Emotional Aspects of Violets:

Violets have an affinity for the heart. In fact, violets are also referred to as “Heartsease.” From an emotional/energetic standpoint, violets protect the heart and support its opening up, moving beyond grief and heartache and calming the emotional nerves.  Folk herbalists used them to support the physical and emotional heart since the days of Hildegard von Bingen, the 11th-century German Benedictine abbess and herbalist.

Recipes

Precautions: There are many types of violets out there. Make sure you’re looking for the Common Blue Violet. Violets also have many look-alikes, some of which are inedible or poisonous, so only harvest them when you are 100% sure that it’s a violet. Additionally, the roots of most violet species can cause nausea and vomiting.

Enjoy violet leaves and flowers in salads, pestos, sandwiches, and wraps. The leaves and flowers can be harvested with scissors throughout the spring until the leaves become too fibrous. You can also sautée, steam, or stir the leaves into soups as a nutrient-dense thickener. The flowers also make a beautiful garnish – ex: sprinkled on salads and used to decorate cakes.

Violet Syrup – by Learning Herbs
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh violet flowers
  • 2 cups just-boiled water
  • 1/4 cup honey (or sweetener of choice)
  • Lemon juice (small amounts, optional)

Instructions

  • Place the violet flowers in a pint-sized glass jar.
  • Fill the jar with just-boiled water. Stir well. Cover.
  • Let sit for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours.
  • Strain off the flowers.
  • At this stage, you can choose to add lemon juice. When I make violet tea, the water turns blue. I like to add just a few drops of lemon juice to make it purple. The more you add, the more the color will change. More lemon juice can result in a magenta or pink color. Go slowly to get the color you want.
  • Add honey (or sweetener of choice). Stir well.
  • Store in the fridge and use within a few days. For a longer shelf life, measure the liquid, add an equal volume of honey or sugar, and use within a month. Discard if it develops mold.
    Yield: Approximately 2 cups

*Make your violet syrup into violet lemonade! Just combine violet syrup and fresh lemon juice. Add sparkling water or club soda to taste, and enjoy!

Violet Green Juice – by The Herbal Academy

Ingredients

  • 1 large handful of spring or new violet leaves
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • Wash violet leaves
  • Combine with water in a blender
  • Blend thoroughly until leaves are completely macerated into a smooth green juice.
  • Drink and feel energized by the green goodness!
References

1.Blankespoor J. Violet’s edible and medicinal uses. Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine. Published April 13, 2016. https://chestnutherbs.com/violets-edible-and-medicinal-uses/
2.Violet Herb. HerbalRemediesAdvice.org. Published 2022. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/violet-herb.html
‌

You may also be interested in:

Herbal Bitters: The Best Digestive Aide

Herbal Steam for Bronchial Wellness

Check out previous Herb of the Month posts!

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Hawthorn herb
By Blair Doucette
RNM Blog Uncategorized
February Herb of the Month: Hawthorn, the Herb of the Heart

As we progress through the cycle of seasonal changes, we find ourselves in mid-to-late winter. February is a time of deep rest, just before new spring energy arrives. Continuing our monthly walk with herbs, February’s herb of the month is hawthorn, the great heart herb. Hawthorn has been used throughout the ages for physical and emotional heart health. Hawthorn trees decorate the global landscape with many species, each native to a different region. Though some species were already native to North America, Eastern Hemisphere ancestors brought over many of our current hawthorn trees from the old world, indicating their profound importance. 

 

Common name: Hawthorn

Latin name: Crataegus monogyna

Part Used: berries, flowers, leaves, and young twigs 

Benefits: Cardiovascular health, emotional health, aids in digestion

Taste: slightly sweet, sour, astringent 

Energetics: cooling and moist

History:

Due to its globalized nature, hawthorn has a history of being used in countries all over the world for hundreds, if not thousands of years. As early as the 1st century, China used hawthorn for its cardiovascular benefits as well as its strengthening effect on the spleen. Also, according to Traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn helps promote healthy digestion and blood circulation. Its Latin name, Crataegus, comes from the Greek word krataigos, which roughly translates to “strong thorn.” The Greek physician wrote of hawthorn, “Its fruit stops diarrhea when drunk and eaten. Its root finely ground and plastered extracts splinters and thorns.” This was likely due to its astringent flavor.

Hawthorn has many informal names, such as the Maythorn and the Thorn Apple. This is likely because it typically blooms into beautiful white flowers around the beginning of May. Legend has it that May Poles were made out of hawthorn trees and that the Mayflower was named after the hope inspired by the hawthorn trees, as they were seen as a symbol of hope and love. 

Additionally, according to folklore, it was believed to be bad luck to cut down hawthorn branches and bring them inside. But if left outside, hawthorn branches would keep witches out. 

Benefits: 

Hawthorn is considered a great heart herb, and all of its parts are used to benefit heart health. The berries, flowers, leaves, and young twigs all contain high bioflavonoid and antioxidant content. Hawthorn works on the heart by helping to dilate the veins and arteries, which helps blood flow more freely to and from the heart, releasing cardiovascular constrictions. It also works as a tonic, which means it helps strengthen the heart muscle, works as a preventative measure, and works best when taken regularly. It can also help to regulate and normalize blood pressure and cholesterol. Hawthorn is an excellent natural option for people who bruise easily, as it works to strengthen the ligaments, tendons, and capillaries. 

Emotional Aspects of Hawthorn:

Being the herb of the heart, hawthorn is a great natural approach to emotional heartache as well. Herbalists and naturopaths employ it to help with grief and deep sadness. Just like the thorns of the hawthorn tree protect its berries, hawthorn helps protect your emotional heart. It helps those who are attempting to have a more open and courageous heart, and it also helps set emotional boundaries for those who need help with deep heartache. Hawthorn also helps support the nervous system and, therefore, is used to alleviate nerves and anxiety. 

Recipes

Precautions: Before taking hawthorn, individuals who are taking beta-blockers or other heart health medications should consult an experienced practitioner.

  1. Rosemary Gladstar’s Heart-ease Tea 

According to Rosemary Gladstar, “This is an effective remedy for deep-seated grief and feelings of loss. It’s also an effective remedy for seasonal affective disorder.”

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts hawthorn leaf, flower, and berry
  • 1 part green oat top (milky oats)
  • 1 part lemon balm leaf
  • 1 part St. John’s wort flower and leaf
  • Honey (optional)

Instructions:

  • Prepare an infusion of the herbs by pouring boiling water over them. Let steep for 30-45 minutes. The length of steeping time and the amount of herb you use will affect the strength of the tea. 
  • Strain and drink

 

Circulatory Tea for Ears and Tinnitus 

This tea is a circulatory stimulant. Increasing the circulation throughout the body may help with some cases of tinnitus and hearing loss. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 part ginkgo
  • 1 part hawthorn berries
  • ¼ part cinnamon
  • ¼ part ginger

Instructions:

  • Prepare an infusion of the herbs by pouring boiling water over them. Let steep for 30-45 minutes. The length of steeping time and the amount of herb you use will affect the strength of the tea. 
  • Strain and drink 

 

Rosemary Gladstar’s Sprinkles for the Heart

This is a heart-healthy addition to any meal that can be sprinkled on for extra flavor. Place it in a small bottle with a shaker top and set it on the table to make sure you remember to use it often. 

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts hawthorn berry powder
  • 1 part cinnamon powder
  • ½ part ginger root powder
  • ⅛ part cardamom powder

Instructions:

  • Mix the powders together and store them in a spice jar on the table. 
  • Sprinkle the powder on any food that could use a flavor boost. 

 

References

Gladstar, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladstar’s medicinal herbs: a beginner’s guide. North Adams, MA, Storey Publishing.

Touwaide, A., & Appetiti, E. (n.d.). Naylor Association management software. American Herbal Products Association. https://www.ahpa.org/herbs_in_history_hawthorn

 

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By Richmond Natural Medicine
RNM Blog
5 Herbal Teas For An Afternoon Pick Me Up

Do you experience an afternoon energy slump just after lunchtime? Many of us do, and instead of reaching for a sugary snack or a caffeine boost, try an invigorating herbal tea!

Many of our patients mention that around 2:00-3:00pm they have a dramatic drop in energy and focus.  As a result, they often reach for a soda, coffee or or a sugar snack to push through. This may work short term but relying on hefty doses of caffeine at that time of day puts unnecessary stress on your adrenal glands and disrupts your circadian rhythm over time, likely negatively impacting your sleep patterns over time as well.

Herbal teas are an excellent alternative. Not only do they have no (or minimal) caffeine, but they can also support the adrenal glands, boost energy levels, support blood sugar balance, and provide mental clarity and alertness for a more holistic and sustainable pick-me-up in the afternoon.

Energizing Herbal Tea Blends:

Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea

Holy Basil is naturally uplifting and adrenal supportive, encouraging sustained daily energy and blood sugar balance, while also being spiritually and mentally up-lifting. It has a delicious earthy/minty flavor and tastes delicious all on it’s own.

Try: Tulsi + Rose Tea

Peppermint + Rosemary Tea

Peppermint is a delicious, aromatic and invigorating tea and somewhat stimulating to lethargic conditions. Rosemary has an affinity for the cerebral space, enhancing blood flow to the brain and supporting mental clarity and focus. These two herbs combined make a perfect herbal pick-me-up when the brain space feels foggy, slow and sleepy.

Try: Organic Mint Tea

Herbal Chai

a good herbal chai will combine aspects of ginger, cinnamon, fennel, cardamom, ginger and maybe a bit of allspice. All of these flavorful herbs enhance circulation throughout the body, stimulating the periphery and brain space to be more alert, warmed and active. Perfect for those working in a colder office environment under florescent lighting.

Try: Vanilla Chai herbal tea

Spicy Hibiscus + Green Tea

If you’re looking for an herbal tea alternative to an afternoon coffee, green tea is an excellent option which contains a fraction of the caffeine, but comes with a high amount of antioxidants. Combine with invigorating hibiscus and warming cinnamon, this is a delicious combination for an afternoon treat.

Try: Spicy Hibiscus Positive Energy herbal tea

If sustainable energy is an area where you may need support, consider making an appointment with one of our practitioners by contacting us at (804) 977-2634.

 

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