Lemon Balm (limon panghaplas in tagalog)

(Melissa officinalis) Part used: Tops. Properties: Diaphoretic, sedative, antitryptic, antispasmodic. What it affects: Nerves and circulation.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 6 oz. as needed frequently. Tincture: Take 30-60 drops (1/2 – 1 tsp.) as needed. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 -2 tsp. as needed. Powder: Take 10 #0 capsules (60 grains) as needed.

Purposes: Internally, lemon balm is a specific for children and infants when indications of colds, flus, or fiver appear. Sweeten the tea with honey and give it hot to feverish children while they are covered with warm blankets. Or first put them into a hot bath with copious amounts of the tea; and then bundle them under blankets, to sweat it out.

• Lemon balm is frequently used to cure melancholy and depression-induced sicknesses. It is also good for hysteria, cholera, insomnia, epilepsy. Headache, nervous, indigestion and hepatitis.