Melissa - for home and garden
One of my favorite herbs is lemon balm.
I use it to make aromatic teas, which are not only tasty, but also perfectly calm and calm down after a nervous day.
I bought my first lemon balm seedling in supermarket. At first, the plant stood on the windowsill, and then I transplanted it into the garden. She caught on without any problems and is now 10 years old. During this time it has spread so much that I gave it to many friends.In my case, lemon balm grows among irises, roses and lilies. This neighborhood doesn't bother her. I provided her with a dry and sunny position, which is the way she likes it. In my garden I use compost to feed my plants and I also fertilize this herb in this way once a year.
How to dry lemon balm?
I collect lemon balm leaves to dry before flowering. To delay this process, I peel off the tops of her shoots. During flowering, the plant loses both some of its valuable properties and a beautiful lemon scent.
I collect lemon balm leaves during the season, but for the winter I cut the bush with the stems, which I then brew in tea. Herbs should be dried in the open air. I do not have such conditions, so I tie the broken bundleand hang it in the kitchen.
Using lemon balm
I try not to store dried lemon balm for too long, because I have read that it retains its properties only for a few months. And its application is versatile.As I have already mentioned, it has a great calming effect. It also has a good effect on circulation and heart function. It helps in the treatment of insomnia, diseases of the stomach and intestines. It also soothes rheumatic pains. In the summer, lemon balm tea is a great refreshment and quenches the thirst of my whole family.
Bożena Fryc
