Lemon Balm Syrup is used for many things, including as a sleep aid. Lemon Balm, which grows wild in so many gardens, is a common ingredient in herbal teas and infusions because it has anti-viral and relaxing properties. It’s also been used to treat upset stomachs. Many people say that lemon balm helps with frayed nerves and can settle a child (or adult) down for the night.
I love the flavor of this infused syrup, especially when added to my favorite night-time herbal tea. If you use some honey as well, you get a touch of sweetness as well as honey’s humectant properties. On winter nights when I’m restless or anxious, I take a tablespoon and then sit in a warm bath. Because lemon balm reductions have been around since the Middle Ages, Sarah Munro added this recipe to her collection of herbal remedies (Sarah, a PhD historian, is the heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH.)
Sarah Munro’s Lemon Balm Syrup
Ingredients
Directions:
Place the lemon balm leaves in a small saucepan and add enough filtered water to cover the leaves by half an inch. Bring to a boil, and lower to a simmer. Simmer on low heat until the liquid is reduced by half. If you find the liquid is still simmering too vigorously, partially cover the pot if you can.
When the liquid is reduce by half, strain out the leaves and pour the water into a measuring cup. For every 1/2 cup of reduction, add a 1/4 cup of honey to the warm water. Add more if you want a sweeter syrup. Make sure to stir in the honey before the water cools so it all blends together. The syrup lasts 3 days in the refrigerator.
To use, take a Tablespoon every night before bed or add to your favorite herbal tea.
*If you’re on thyroid medication, or are pregnant, nursing, you may want to speak with a qualified health professional before drinking lemon balm medicinally.
**Honey should not be used in children under 1 years of age.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
