Balm Health Dictionary

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Balm: From 3 Different Sources

Lemon balm. Melissa officinalis L. German: Zitronen-melisse. French: Citronelle. Spanish: Erba cedrata. Italian: Cedronella. Indian: Badaranj. Part used: herb.

Action: antispasmodic, antidepressant, antihistamine, antiviral – topical application, anti-stress, antiflatulent, febrifuge, mild tranquilliser, nerve relaxant, heart-sedating effect.

Antibacterial, especially against myco-bacterium phlei and streptococcus haemolytica (H. Wagner & L. Springkmeyer. Dtsch, Apoth., Zrg, 113, 1159(1973))

Uses: Hyperthyroidism, dizziness, migraine, nervous heart or stomach, insomnia, little energy, stomach cramps, urinary infection, feverishness in children, mumps, shingles, reaction to vaccination or inoculation. Nervous excitability.

Psychiatry. To strengthen the brain in its resistance to shock and stress; low spirits, restlessness, fidgety limbs, “cold and miserable”, anxiety neurosis.

Rudolf F. Weiss MD. Balm protects the cerebrum of the brain and is effective in treatment of autonomic disorders – an action similar to modern tranquillisers . . . usually combined with Peppermint. (Herbal Medicine, Beaconsfield Publishers)

Preparations: Tea: 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5 minutes; 1 cup freely. Liquid Extract: BHP (1983). 1:1 in 45 per cent alcohol; dose – 2-4ml.

Tincture BHP (1983) 1:5 in 45 per cent alcohol; dose 2-6ml. Thrice daily.

Powders. Two 210mg capsules thrice daily. (Arkocaps)

Traditional combination: Balm and Peppermint (equal parts) tea. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; cup at bedtime for restful sleep or to improve digestion. (Rudolf F. Weiss MD) Historical. John Evelyn writes: “Balm is sovereign for the brain. It strengthens the memory and powerfully chases away melancholy.”

Balm Bath. 8oz dried (or 12oz fresh) herb to 10 pints (7 litres) boiling water: infuse 15 minutes: add to bathwater. For sleeplessness or nervous heart. Aromatherapy: 10-20 drops Oil Melissa (Balm) added to bath water.

Note: Combined with a pinch of Nutmeg it has a reputation for nervous headache (migraine) and neuralgia. Popular in all European pharmacopoeias. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia
A soothing or healing medicine applied to the skin.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
Melissa officinalis. N.O. Labiateae.

Synonym: Lemon Balm, Sweet Balm.

Habitat: Borders of woods and in hedges, particularly in south of England. Common in gardens.

Features ? Stem one to two feet high, freely branched, square, smoothish. Leaves stalked, opposite, broadly ovate, coarsely serrate, wrinkled, hairy. Numerous small, white or yellowish flowers, in loose bunches from leaf axils. Roots long, slender, creeping. Taste and odour of lemon.

Part used ? Herb.

Action: Carminative, diaphoretic, tonic.

In influenza and feverish colds, to induce perspiration. Aids digestion. Infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint boiling water, taken freely.
Health Source: Herbal Manual
Author: Health Dictionary

Balmony

Chelone glabra. N.O. Scrophulariaceae.

Synonym: Bitter Herb. Snake Head, Turtle Bloom, Turtle Head

Habitat: Common in North America.

Features ? Short-stalked leaves, opposite, oblong, lanceolate. Fruits ovate, half-inch long, bunched on short spike, two-celled, with roundish, winged, dark-centred seeds. Very bitter taste.

Part used ? Leaves.

Action: Anthelmintic, detergent, tonic.

Used in constipation, dyspepsia, debility, and children's worms. Sometimes added to alteratives. Infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint water in

wineglassful doses. Powdered herb, 5-10 grains.... balmony

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea is fragrant to drink and is a very effective tonic to calm nerves and anxiety. Cold lemon balm tea bags help relieve cold sores, or genital sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Mix lemon balm leaves with valerian to treat anxiety, stress and insomnia. Lemon Balm contains several properties, which control herpes and also regulate the thyroid. Lemon balm when mixed with peppermint can calm an upset stomach, sooth the digestive track and reduce flatulence. Drink lemon balm tea if you suffer from nerve pain. Drinking lemon balm tea also helps strengthen memory and brain functions and also uplifts one’s mood.... lemon balm tea

Balm Of Gilead

Love, Manifestations, Protection, Healing... balm of gilead

Balm, Lemon

Love, Success, Healing... balm, lemon

Balm Of Gilead

Poplar buds. Populus gileadensis. French: Baumier. German: Mekkabalsambaum. Spanish: Bilsamo. Italian: Balsamo della Mecca. Indian: Gungal. Leaf buds.

Action. Mild analgesic (forerunner of aspirin), Febrifuge, Anti-inflammatory, Stimulating diuretic (resin), Antiseptic, Circulatory stimulant, Expectorant. Contains salicylates.

Uses: Laryngitis. Chronic bronchitis. Safe for children’s chest troubles. Traditional: for coughs, colds and sore throats. Buds used by North American Indians for muscular and circulatory aches and pains (Dr A. Clapp, 1852).

Side effects. None known.

Preparations: Tea. 2-3 buds to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup 3-hourly, acute cases; thrice daily, chronic.

Tincture, BHC (vol 1). 1:5 45 per cent Ethanol, 4-8ml.

Balm of Gilead Cough Mixture (Potter’s). Each 10ml contains Acet. Scill. BP 0.339ml; Acetic acid (5.5 per cent) extractive from Lobelia (1-12.5) 0.148ml; Ipecac Liquid extract BP 0.004ml; 30 per cent alcoholic extractive (1:1) from each of 100mg Balm of Gilead buds and 200mg Lungwort lichen in a sweetened flavoured vehicle. ... balm of gilead


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