Lemon Balm Tincture.

I've started a dandelion tincture, and in my online reading about tinctures I discovered that a tincture made from Lemon Balm is an excellent remedy for nervous tension. It works better to make a tincture, apparently, then to brew a tea. (This page has some interesting information about this herb.)

So I decided to do up some Lemon Balm tincture as well. This plant has been growing in my back yard ever since we lived in this house--since before that, actually--and although I think I've pulled it all out every year in the fall, every spring it sprouts up everywhere. In fact, it is only the beginning of June and I need to do a clean up in the yard already...so why not make some medicine while I'm at it?

I'm hoping that this home remedy will be helpful in times of anxiety. It's sort of funny to me that people I meet, and often people who read my blog, tell me that they think I am very calm and laid back. I can be calm, and I am laid back about lots of things, but--those who know me well know I suffer a great deal from stress and anxiety--like we all do in this fast-paced modern age. I believe that today, most of us could use a little help calming down once in a while when life seems just a bit too crazy.

This page includes information about making double and triple herbal tinctures:

An herbalist in Austin Texas shared her special way of preparing a tincture that helps her keep her cool in stressful situations. She tinctures fresh lemon balm, gathered before it flowers, for six weeks, in 100 proof vodka. She pours that tincture over a new jar of fresh lemon balm leaves.

 After that sits for six more weeks, it's a double tincture. She then pours the double tincture over another new jarful of fresh lemon balm and lets that sit for six weeks.

 After which she has a triple tincture. She uses: "A dropperful sublingually works absolute wonders for me when I'm stressed out and ready to scream."

If I decide to make a double or triple tincture, it will take quite a while, but if I do I will be sure to let you know how it works! 

Comments

[Mari]

It is exciting to use everything that from nature to nurture our bodies.

Thanks for the links.

Mari

[Melanie]

It sounds like you are similar to me: everyone tells me how laid back and "easy going" I appear. .. really I have anxiety and nerves as well. We have a small lemon balm patch (hoping it'll grow as much as yours!) and I would love to give this tincture a try too. Currently we use the lemon balm for tea.

[Sara Shalom]

Awesome. I might do this, too. :)