Apothecary
Lemon Balm.
Melissa officinalis
Also known as Balm, Sweet Balm, Honey Plant, Bee Balm
Sacred to the bees and called Melissa for them, lemon balm is the sweet green herb of grief eased and joy returned. Where the heart has been stretched too thin, a tea of lemon balm is the small kindness that mends it.
Correspondences
Element
Water
Planet
Moon
Zodiac
Cancer
Chakra
Heart
Parts Used
Leaves
Harvest
Summer
Practice
Magical Properties
Love, success, healing, soothing grief, attraction
Carry lemon balm to attract love and ensure success. Add to a bath before going on a date. Use in healing sachets for grief and emotional wounds.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Anxiolytic, antiviral (particularly for herpes simplex), digestive, mildly sedative.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Diana, Artemis
History
Folklore & History
The ancient Greek name Melissa means 'bee', and bees were sacred to this herb. Paracelsus called it 'the elixir of life'. The Carmelite Monks created Carmelite Water with it in the 14th century.
Safety
Safety Notes
Generally safe. May reduce thyroid activity — avoid in thyroid disorders.
This information is provided for educational and magical reference only. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Balm used for in witchcraft?
Lemon Balm is traditionally used in workings for love, success, healing, soothing grief, attraction. Carry lemon balm to attract love and ensure success.
What element is Lemon Balm associated with?
Lemon Balm is associated with the Water element and the sign of Cancer, and resonates with the Heart chakra.
What planet rules Lemon Balm?
Lemon Balm is ruled by Moon. In the classical planetary system, this gives the herb its characteristic energetic signature and indicates which workings it most readily amplifies and which planetary hours best suit it.
Is Lemon Balm safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Lemon Balm. Generally safe. May reduce thyroid activity — avoid in thyroid disorders. The information here is provided for educational and magical reference only — always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb medicinally.
In Your Practice
Track your work with Lemon Balm.
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
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