Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a fragrant herb that is easy to grow and has many benefits for the skin. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. What many people don't know: It's also a great addition to natural skin care products. In this article, you'll learn about the benefits of lemon balm for your skin, how to grow it, and how to make a simple recipe for a homemade lip balm with lemon balm.
Grow lemon balm
Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and is a perennial herb that is easy to grow. It can be grown in the garden or in pots on the balcony or windowsill. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Lemon balm can be propagated from seed, but it is easier to grow it from a cutting. Simply take a cutting from a mature plant, remove the lower leaves and place it in a pot with soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a sunny location. Lemon balm grows quickly and you can harvest it throughout the growing season.
Benefits of lemon balm for the skin
Lemon balm has many benefits for the skin. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties that make it ideal for treating skin infections and acne. It also has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radicals and harmful environmental factors. In addition, lemon balm has a soothing and calming effect on the skin, which helps to relieve redness and inflammation.
Scientific studies have demonstrated the beneficial properties of lemon balm for the skin. For example, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that lemon balm extract has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce skin redness and swelling. In another study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, lemon balm was found to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Recipe for homemade lemon balm lip balm
Here is a simple recipe for a homemade lip balm with lemon balm:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup beeswax balls
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 1 tablespoon dried lemon balm
Instructions:
- Melt beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter in a water bath.
- Add the dried lemon balm and stir until everything is well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into small lip balm containers and let cool.
- Once the lip balm has set, it is ready for use.
This lip balm is ideal for moisturizing dry and chapped lips. The beeswax and coconut oil lock in moisture, while the shea butter and lemon balm soothe and nourish the skin.
Conclusion
Lemon balm is a wonderful herb with many benefits for the skin. When you combine it with the GreenBox, growing it becomes easier than ever. Not to mention how you can use it to make your own beautiful, natural lip balm. As with so many plants, research is not yet complete and there is still much to learn about our green companions. However, scientific studies have shown that lemon balm has several properties that are beneficial for the skin. Try lemon balm in your own skin care routine and see the results for yourself.
If you want to try the calming lemon balm yourself, you can grow it in our GreenBox! It is available as individual seeds or as assembled sets for better variety.