Lemon Balm Plant Medicine for an Unsettled Spirit

Considering all the disruptive and confusing energy surrounding us these days, it’s no wonder most of us are kept in a state of perpetual angst. Certain herbs and other plant remedies have the ability to reduce this anxiety without the unwanted side effects that often accompany pharmaceuticals. However, there is another dimension of plant medicine that not only calms the body and mind but soothes a troubled spirit.

The Spiritual Dimension of Herbalism

Science has only recently begun to recognize something that shamanic healers from various cultures have known for centuries: that the green beings who we share the planet with have intelligence and consciousness. Studies conducted over the past several decades concerning the neurological lives of plants and how they relate to each other are reaching the mainstream.

It follows suit that if plants are sentient as humans and animals are, then they likely also have spirits; plants are indwelled with an ethereal, wise being that is willing to share insights and advice with anyone equally willing to connect with them and listen.

As noted healer and author Pam Montgomery writes in her book Plant Spirit Healing: A Guide to Working with Plant Consciousness, “This fascination with what is called shamanism is occurring in the Western world and seems to be a response to our malnourished spirits that long for connection with the greater web of life and the meaning that comes from that connection.”

Physical versus Spiritual Plant Medicine

Much of our anxiety is a result of discord between what we experience in our physical reality and the peace and tranquility we crave on a spiritual level. Plants and the spirits who reside within them can become our healing allies by raising our vibration, thus helping to restore harmony and balance.

When you ingest a fragrant, pleasant-tasting herb such as lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) in a tea or extract, you are likely to be gently brought to a more relaxed state physically and mentally. Yet, sometimes just sitting with a living lemon balm plant or going into a place of deep meditation to visit with the spiritual essence of lemon balm can establish an even deeper connection to the plant’s healing power.

Shamanic Journeying with Lemon Balm

I’ve recently been taught the practices of Western shamanism, including the practice of shamanic journeying. Shamanic journeying is a meditative practice where we send our consciousness out to have new experiences and meet with helpful spirits to receive wisdom and healing. Particularly compelling was a recent experience in journeying to the mother spirit of lemon balm, the herb that frequently comes to my mind for its relaxing properties.

I began by taking a dropperful of lemon balm tincture that I made a few years back from the fresh plant. As I was instructed by my teachers, I settled into a darkened room, lying down with drumming music in the background that allowed me to move into a mild, trance-like state. Plant spirits can appear in different forms, and experiences vary with this kind of meditation. During this meditation, I didn’t get a clear vision of the spirit of lemon balm, but I did sense a majestic presence.

I asked the spirit of lemon balm what I might share with others. The message I received was about the value of looking to water as a source of tranquil healing energy. I was reminded about the importance of not only consuming pure forms of water, but of making a practice of being near it, in it, and on it whenever possible—especially when in an anxious state. This includes bathing, swimming, boating, walking along the ocean, watching a gently moving stream, and many other practices. I was reminded that water is a gift that we don’t always show enough appreciation for, and that expressing gratitude for the presence of water increases its healing power. And of course, mindfully watering and misting plants that we are tasked with nurturing is another way you express your appreciation for both the water and the things that it helps grow.

Wisdom from Lemon Balm for Healing Anxiety

In this shamanic journeying experience, I was also given a vision of little children playing joyfully under a sprinkler, telling me that we need to emulate this seemingly frivolous but therapeutic form of releasing tension. The spirit of lemon balm also suggested taking a few leaves or flowers from a lemon balm plant and placing it in a container of water. The infused water can be put in a spray bottle and used as a body mist that is hydrating, calming, and restorative. I returned from this meditative experience feeling refreshed and happy to share these suggestions that you can follow as you are personally guided to.

I’ve cited this visit with the spirit of lemon balm here since it is a plant that is already familiar to many. There are other herbs with an anti-anxiety action, such as passionflower, chamomile, and lavender, as well as adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha that can be helpful in similar ways. The advice and support from the spirits of these plants may be similar but is more likely to be personal to each individual since we all respond to stress and handle anxiety in different ways.

I again refer to Pam Montgomery, who sums it up nicely when she emphasizes that “it is the imperative of our time to evolve in consciousness to a level of spiritual understanding that recognizes the spirit in all life and engages in a reciprocal nurturance.” Recognizing the sentience of plants as well as connecting with their spiritually healing power is one way to accomplish this. Such an interactive approach can in turn provide tools to help deflect the stressors of modern living and maintain a more tranquil state of being.

How to Make Your Own Lemon Balm Extract

Commercially prepared liquid extracts of lemon balm may be found at health food stores as well as numerous reputable online sources. However, if you want to develop a closer relationship with this wonderful plant and the spirit that dwells within it, I suggest making your own tincture. This is not as daunting as it may sound; it’s just a matter of gathering a few items and being patient with the process.

You’ll need:

• Lemon balm, either dried or fresh (the amount needed will depend on the size of your jar)

• A glass jar with a lid (I like using Mason jars, but any clean glass jar will do)

• A consumable form of alcohol that is 80 proof (40 percent alcohol), or an acceptable alcohol-free liquid (see the recipe for recommendations)

• A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

If you are using dried lemon balm, fill your jar about 1/3 of the way. If you’re lucky enough to have a supply of fresh lemon balm on hand, that’s great! Fill the jar with the leaves, gently pushing them down (without packing them too densely) to about 2/3 of the way. As you are doing this, be mindful of the plant. Ask the spirit of lemon balm for its blessing and express your gratitude for allowing you to extract its healing medicine.

Add alcohol until the jar is filled an inch or two from the top. I prefer to use vodka, but other forms of alcohol such as brandy or whiskey will also work. If you’d rather avoid alcohol, then you can also use apple cider vinegar or food-grade vegetable glycerin. Be aware that the non-alcohol forms are less intense on the palate but may not be as effective in extracting the active ingredients of the herb or preserving the finished product.

Cover the jar. If using a metal lid, I like to put a small piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap between the jar and the lid. Label and date the jar, and keep it in a cool, dark place.

Here’s where patience comes in: Over the course of at least six weeks, shake the mixture at least once daily. While doing this daily, it’s nice to establish a connection to this herb and express your gratitude and blessings. (Since you are cultivating a friendship with the plant, don’t be surprised if the spirit of lemon balm sends you a few gentle reminders!)

After six weeks, strain the mixture, separating the plant matter from the infused liquid. Depending on how much this yields, you can pour the liquid into another jar or into smaller dropper bottles for easier use. Alcohol tinctures can last many years. The standard dose is about one-half to one teaspoon for adults and about one-fourth of this amount for children. Doses are dependent on weight and sensitivity.

Explore more ways to practice plant spirit meditation.