Stress is the number one ailment of modern Western
society.
Instead
of turning to caffeine or alcohol, try some great stress-busting herbs that
have been used for centuries to help you unwind.
There
are numerous herbs that grow in Andalucia and have a reputation for effective
stress-busting.
A
native of the Mediterranean region is lemon balm – Melissa officinalis -
that has been cultivated for over 2000 years and was called the ‘elixir of
life’ by Paracelsus, a 15th century German-Swiss physician and alchemist.
Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
It grows to 70–150 cm tall. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint. During summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear.
The flavour comes from citronella (24%), geranial (16%), linalyl acetate (12%) and caryophyllene (12%).
Lemon
balm grows in scrubby, partially shaded areas across the region. It is often a garden escapee and self-seeds
with relish.
Lemon
balm can be used in several different ways, as an infusion – place fresh or
dried leaves in a cup, pour over boiling water, cover and leave for 10 minutes,
strain and drink – or as a tincture.
It
can also be combined with other stress busting herbs, such as St John’s wort,
lavender, lemon verbena and lime flowers either as infusions or tinctures.
The
essential oils of these herbs can also be used in a bath oil.
Always
put essential oils in a carrier oil such as almond oil or in a tablespoon of
milk before using, then lie back and relax.
Tinctures
are an excellent way to harness the power of herbs, and are more practical and
longer lasting than herbal teas.
Tinctures
use alcohol to extract the medicinal properties of herbs and volume for volume
are more concentrated than infusions, decoctions or macerated oils.
They
are easy to make and will last up to 12 months, if kept in a dark cupboard.
If
using fresh herbs ensure they are dry, then chop and place in a jar.
Cover
with good vodka, ensuring all herb material is covered.
Seal
the jar and place in a dark cupboard for three weeks, giving the jar a daily
shake. Open the jar and strain the liquid through a muslin cloth.
Pour
the liquid into a coloured glass bottle and label.
Take
a teaspoon of tincture two or three times a day in warm water.
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| Melissa officinalis |
