Lemon Balm Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Melissa, Balm, Sweet Balm
A bright, lemony herb for easing worry, healing the heart and drawing friendship.
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- The Moon
- Zodiac
- Cancer
- Day
- Monday
- Moon phase
- Waxing Crescent
- Parts used
- Leaves
How to use it
- Heartache tea
Brew a cup of lemon balm tea when your heart is sore. Hold the warm mug, name what hurts, and imagine each sip easing the knot in your chest a little.
- Friendship gift
Share a sprig or a small jar of dried lemon balm with a new friend. Folklore says it encourages warmth and good feeling between people.
- Calming steam
Pour hot water over a handful of fresh leaves in a bowl and breathe in the steam for a few minutes when you need to quiet an anxious mind.
Works well with
Substitutes
History and folklore
Lemon balm's old name, Melissa, comes from the Greek word for honeybee, because bees adore its flowers. Beekeepers traditionally rubbed hives with it to keep swarms happy and close to home. Medieval writers called it a herb that gladdens the heart, and it was a common ingredient in monastery cordials. In folk magick it carries that same cheerful reputation, offered to lift low spirits, soothe heartbreak and draw friendly, loving company.
A bright, lemony herb for easing worry, healing the heart and drawing friendship.
- Intentions: Peace, Healing, Love
- Element: Water
- Planet: The Moon
- Zodiac: Cancer
- Day: Monday
- Moon phase: Waxing Crescent
- Parts used: Leaves
Safety: Toxic to cats, dogs and horses (ASPCA list), mainly causing stomach upset, so keep it away from pets. Lemon balm essential oil (melissa) can irritate skin: never swallow it, always dilute it, and keep it from pets, cats especially. Ask a healthcare provider before drinking it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How to use it
- Heartache tea. Brew a cup of lemon balm tea when your heart is sore. Hold the warm mug, name what hurts, and imagine each sip easing the knot in your chest a little.
- Friendship gift. Share a sprig or a small jar of dried lemon balm with a new friend. Folklore says it encourages warmth and good feeling between people.
- Calming steam. Pour hot water over a handful of fresh leaves in a bowl and breathe in the steam for a few minutes when you need to quiet an anxious mind.
Works well with: Blue Candle, Rose Quartz, Blue Lace Agate, Monday
Folklore
Lemon balm's old name, Melissa, comes from the Greek word for honeybee, because bees adore its flowers. Beekeepers traditionally rubbed hives with it to keep swarms happy and close to home. Medieval writers called it a herb that gladdens the heart, and it was a common ingredient in monastery cordials. In folk magick it carries that same cheerful reputation, offered to lift low spirits, soothe heartbreak and draw friendly, loving company.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.