Do you like to use home remedies or are you a head straight to the doctor kinda person? If you prefer to go the natural route first, then check out this recipe for a Lemon Balm Tincture that will soothe a whole bunch of your ailments.
Personally, I hate going to the doctor and I’ll try anything to make myself feel better before I’ll go. I prefer to use natural remedies, like this Lemon Balm Tincture, as often as possible because I think it’s better for you…all ways around.
There are generally no major side effects with herbal remedies, they are easy to access and so much cheaper than modern day medicine.
Now, let me just make it clear that I am NOT suggesting you don’t see a doctor if you are sick. If you think you need a doctor, than absolutely visit one right away. I’m merely sharing my experience using natural/alternative remedies for an ailment that has been previously diagnosed by licensed medical doctors.
My Lemon Balm Story
A couple of years ago, I told you about my migraine issues and how I was treating them at the time. And while keeping yourself hydrated is really important, I’ve since learned that isn’t all you have to worry about with migraines.
Despite the fact that I have suffered from migraines since I was a teenager, I only really started to pay attention to the symptoms and triggers when I became an adult…really in my early 30s.
Over the years, I’ve gotten to a point that I can tell when I have a migraine coming on. Sometimes days before it even happens.
Which is great…sort of. Because it gives me the opportunity to remedy some of those symptoms before it becomes a full on migraine.
But, this past week, I didn’t pay attention. I was busy and I ignored the oncoming symptoms until it was too late.
I woke up Wednesday morning with back pain, vision issues and the inability to focus. No matter what I attempted to do that morning, I just couldn’t seem to make it happen. But, I had to go grocery shopping and then pick my daughter and her friend up from school.
Life must go on, right?
By the time I got home that afternoon, I was feeling pretty crappy. I was overwhelmingly tired and I still had the symptoms above, but for some reason, it still wasn’t occurring to me that I had a migraine coming.
But, I did. And I paid for it by ignoring the symptoms.
I was up all night with it.
By 5:00 in the morning, I had tried all of my usual remedies and I was willing to try anything else.
So, I reached for the Lemon Balm tincture that I made during the summer. I knew it was good for nausea and I figured if that would stop, I could concentrate on getting rid of the head pain.
AND IT WORKED!
Not only for the nausea, but the head pain, too!
Within about 15 minutes of taking the Lemon Balm tincture, the urge to get sick started to dissipate and the pounding in my head slowed down, too!
I almost couldn’t believe it.
Like I said above, I’ve suffered with migraines since I was a young teen… So, despite totally aging myself here, that’s around 25 years. (Uggh!) It’s not fun. And I’ve tried all kinds of remedies over the years.
From modern medicine to home remedies to herbal remedies, I’ve probably tried it all. But, the Lemon Balm tincture is the only thing I have ever taken that worked that fast.
The funniest part of it all is, I didn’t even know it worked for migraines. I took it so that I didn’t feel so nauseous.
I only made the tincture because I had a TON of it in the garden and I really didn’t need it all for tea, which was the original purpose when I planted it.
But, boy am I glad I did!
And you can bet I’ll be making more this coming summer!
Fun Fact: Alcohol based tinctures last indefinitely when properly stored.
What else is it good for?
Lots and lots of things, my friend!
But, let’s start with what Lemon Balm actually is…
According to WebMD:
Lemon balm is a perennial herb from the mint family. The leaves, which have a mild lemon aroma, are used to make medicine. Lemon balm is used alone or as part of various multi-herb combination products.
Ok, so now that you know what it is, let’s get to what else it’s good for…
- Upset stomach: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
- Pain: Headache, toothache, women’s issues
- Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia
- More…so much more!
It is also considered that Lemon Balm may be anti-viral and perhaps even a natural sedative.
Fun Fact: A tincture can be used in place of any extract in your kitchen! Love lemon bars or lemon meringue pie? Use this lemon balm tincture instead of lemon extract in your favorite recipe!
Where’s Mine?
So, by now you are probably wondering where can I get some…right?
Well, you have a few options…
Option #1: THE EASY WAY – Buy some locally! Head to your local health food store or farmers market and purchase some from an organic herb gardener in your area.
Option #2: THIS’LL TAKE A DAY OR A FEW – Order organic Lemon Balm from Amazon (or any retailer you choose)!
I highly recommend ordering through Starwest Botanical, whether your order from Amazon or directly through their company. They have a great reputation, offer over 3,000 high quality items and honestly, they’ve been in business longer than I’ve been alive…I think that says a lot!
Option #3: THE BEST WAY (ACCORDING TO ME) – Grow your own, my friend! It’s NOT hard. Lemon Balm practically grows itself anywhere. In fact, in some places it does! But, if it’s not wild where you live – don’t worry!
Just head to your local garden center and purchase an organic starter plant or pick up some seeds to start yourself.
Give it some sun and a little water and before you know it, you’ll have more Lemon Balm that you know what to do with…
Oh wait!
I know what to do with it…
How to Make a Lemon Balm Tincture
Supplies/Equipment Required:
- Pint-sized jars with lids
- Mortar and pestle (optional, but very handy to have)
- Small funnel
- 2 oz. Tincture bottles
Ingredients:
- Lemon Balm herb
- Vodka or Pure Grain Alcohol (Everclear)
Directions:
Wash and dry your jars.
Place a palm full of fresh lemon balm into your mortar and pestle. If you don’t have one, place the lemon balm directly into a jar.
Use the pestle to smash the lemon balm into smaller pieces. Then, transfer the lemon balm to the jar. No pestle? Not to worry, you can just use a wooden spoon handle to do the job right inside the jar.
Continue to do this until you have about 1/4 of a jar of smashed up lemon balm.
Pour your alcohol of choice over the lemon balm until it is completely covered.
Place the lid onto the jar and store the lemon balm tincture in a dark cabinet for 4 to 6 weeks. Try to give a little shake every couple of days, just to spread the goodness around. If you don’t remember, it’s okay – it’ll still do the work.
When your allotted time is up, remove the lid from the jar, strain the liquid into a clean jar. Throw away the excess herb. Use a small funnel to pour the fresh Lemon Balm tincture into clean, 2-ounce dropper bottles.
Store in a dark cabinet and use as needed.
And that’s it! That’s all you need to do to make your own Lemon Balm tincture! It’s so easy.
Yes, it might take awhile to “brew”, but really, think about the pain I was in when I reached for that bottle and then…think about the fact that it actually worked!
Could it work for you, too?
Please Note: I am not a medical professional. Just a random migraine sufferer sharing what works for ME. This might not work for you. ALWAYS see your personal doctor to discuss your options before taking any sort of medication, home remedy, herbal remedy or supplement.
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Have a Spectacular Day!


Vanessa Hamlin is the owner and founder of Food Life Design and VLHamlinDesign. With her passion for frugal living and homesteading, Vanessa loves to write about easy recipes, making money, gardening, home remedies and everything else that a good life entails! When she’s not writing for Food Life Design or creating products for VLHamlinDesign, you’ll find Vanessa reading, drawing, gardening, cooking or spending time with her family.
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