As summer's vibrant gardens quieten and the first autumn chill sets in, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) emerges as a resilient hero in our herb patches. This versatile plant offers gentle support during the fall and winter months, becoming an essential ally as we navigate seasonal changes.
Why Lemon Balm Shines in Autumn:
Calming Comfort: Soothes frazzled nerves, perfect for hectic days
Immune Support: Offers potential antiviral properties
Digestive Aid Eases post-feast discomfort (mix with ginger, mint, or fennel)
Cold Sore Relief: Fresh leaves can be applied directly
Easy Harvesting:
On a dry day, cut the top third of the plant and hang it in a dry, shady, breezy spot. Once dried, store in a bag or jar for a stash of sunshine through the cooler months.
Lemon Balm's bright, lemony scent persists even as other plants fade, reminding us that summer's not gone, just sleeping. Embrace this European transplant that's made itself at home in gardens worldwide, offering its soothing benefits as we transition into autumn.
I learned about Solomon's Seal as one of my first herbs through my teacher,Matt Wood an eclectic herbalist and general genius on Western herbalism. I knew this plant closely as a gardener, it’s interwoven notched rhizomes twisted around each other creating knots and a puzzle work that speaks to it’s doctrine of signatures of helping ease the pain of tightness and constriction.
This is hands down my favorite musculoskeletal herbs for supporting and strengthen the entire system by soothing inflamed tissues, moistening the respiratory tract, nourishing during menopause and for my creaky back, it promotes flexibility and I LOVE it for repetitive motion injuries (ex: tendentious) as an oil and tincture. We have Solomon's Seal in our aptly namedJoint Juice.
