How to Make Lemon Balm Infused Oil

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb in the mint family that is easy to grow, spreads quickly and smells of a lemon aroma. Lemon balm works well for external application when infused into a carrier oil. Lemon balm infused oil can be used medicinally for the following external uses:

*Many types of herpes including shingles (herpes zoster)
*Insect bites and rashes
*Antiviral when applied to skin

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lemon balm (dried or fresh)
• Olive oil
• Glass mason jar with a lid that will hold at least 2 cups.

1. Chop 3/4 cup of fresh lemon balm, or 1/8 cup of dried lemon balm. A food processor can be used to chop the herb. Place the chopped lemon balm in a sterile glass jar.

2. Add 1 cup of olive oil.

3. Seal the jar with a tight fitting lid. Label the jar "lemon balm oil" and record the date on the jar.

4. Place the jar in a sunny location for 2 weeks. Shake the jar daily.

5. After 2 weeks has passed, strain the lemon balm from the oil with cheesecloth. Discard the lemon balm plant.

6. Place the lemon balm oil in a dark colored glass bottle with a tight fitting lid. Write "lemon balm infused oil" on the container and write the date on the outside of this bottle as well. Store in a cool, dark, dry area between uses.

Resources

• Make Herbal Oil Infusions
• Make Calming Lemon Balm Tea

[inquire]

on 10/5/2009 Great article! 5* and a rec.