Lemon Balm – Traditional uses in folk medicine

Traditional uses in folk medicine:

• Known in Romania as “roiniță.”
• Used for anxiety, insomnia, and nervous palpitations.
• Often combined with valerian in calming teas.
• Lemon balm syrup is prepared in some households as a refreshing summer drink.

Unusual,  traditional folk uses:

• In folk belief, it was associated with attracting bees (name derived from Greek melissa = bee). In the Middle Ages, bees were symbols of divine order and diligence.
• Lemon balm became known as a “comforter of the heart.”
•  It was regarded as a plant that calms the soul. In a religious interpretation, it symbolizes God’s consolation and inner harmony.
• In ancient and medieval traditions, it was believed to have protective and uplifting properties. People thought it could drive away negative energies or sadness, bring emotional balance and calmness, attract positivity (and symbolically, like bees, harmony and order)
• In some folk practices, lemon balm was used in herbal baths or infusions for relaxation and spiritual cleansing, or in simple charms or sachets meant to promote peace and well-being