Sweet Melissa Encourages Sweet Dreams

Sweet melissa, also known as lemon balm, is known for calming nerves while lifting the spirit. It has the rare quality of helping with sleep without being over-sedating.

In addition to its nervine qualities, sweet melissa quiets inflammation, lowers blood sugar, and stimulates digestion. As a tea, it’s perfect to start the morning or as an after-dinner refreshment.

I use sweet melissa in my Sleepy Tea alongside valerian to promote restfulness and to enhance the flavor.

Topically, sweet melissa can be infused into an oil where it’s anti-inflammatory properties help relieve itching and resolve cold sores. For an itchy scalp, simmer sweet melissa into water, then massage into your scalp after it cools. It will keep in the refrigerator for several days. Add witch hazel or essential oils to keep it for a month or two.

Sweet melissa is a member of the mint family, so it can take over your garden if not contained. It is a perennial that likes full sun. To harvest, wait until flowers start to bloom, then cut stems just above a pair of leaves. Cut to within 6-8 inches of the soil, but do not remove more than two-thirds of growth. It can be used both dried or fresh.

Getting a Good Night's Sleep with Valerian

I meet many people in my booth who are struggling with sleep, especially as we approach the winter months.  Getting to sleep and staying asleep is all about how we deal with stress in our waking lives, but there are herbal solutions that can help without becoming addictive.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is the go-to herb for sleep.  It contains gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), one of the main neurotransmitters responsible for sleep regulation, as well as valerenic acid and valerenol which act on GABA receptors in the body.  All of that means that valerian improves the quality of sleep as well as the ability to fall asleep.

 I make Peaceful Slumbers, an oil infused with valerian root, for topical use at bedtime. It helps relax the muscles and calm the nerves in a gentle way. I make it as a roll-on because the root of the plant has a skunky odor which you don’t want to get on your hands.

 Many of my customers report good results with Peaceful Slumbers, but there are those who need a little more help getting or staying asleep. In these cases, a valerian tea, tincture, or capsule is the way to go.   The tea usually combines valerian with other herbs to make it more palatable.  A tincture can be made at home or found in an herbal shop while capsules are usually found at a vitamin store.  Valerian is not addictive, so can be used indefinitely.

 Valerian is not for everyone.  It can have the opposite effect in about five percent of the population, causing agitation rather than relaxation. It can also interact with anti-anxiety or pain medications. Alternatives include passionflower, skullcap, and California poppy.

 If you’re looking for non-drug solutions for sleep, you can look to herbs to help in soothing the nervous system, flipping the switch so that you can feel less stress and get a good night’s rest.