Based on Books I read recently on the remedial uses for many plants, I'm making a Lemon Balm (Melissa Ofincinalis)Tincture.

A tincture is the most recommended method when long-term storage is wanted. A tincture requires alcohol (a 75% grade) which can be safely ingested.

The process I am following is 4 cups of freshly chopped lemon balm in approximately 1 quart of 80 proof Brandy mixed in a blue tinted canning jar, fingertip sealed. Everyday for the next 2 weeks, I'll shake (or swirl) the jar to loosen the lemon balm mass then replace it the cupboard safely out of the light. Once the saturation period is over, I'll double strain the lemon balm leaves from the liquid.

The brandied lemon balm is now ready for self-experimentation. I have faith so I'm not overly worried about any harmful side effects. If there are any, I'll update this post on the event I live through it.

My intention is to discover for myself whether or not the books I've read are sharing real, valuable, true information that can be safely put to practical use.

I intend to take 1 teaspoon per day for up to 3 days to document its effects on my body. If, after 3 days, I notice any change in my body's responses, I will proceed from those results.

It has been said that Lemon Balm has been used successfully for a very long time. Uses have included the treatment of chest congestion, coughs, mild cases of the influenza as it induces perspiration...excellent for mild fevers. It once had the reputation as a mild stimulant for cardiac conditions.

I started the tincture on August 15, 2009.

I'm excited because if the results I achieve are anywhere near the mark, I may never buy tylenol or cough medicine again. And not relying on strangers to care for my welfare is who I truly am as a person. I don't trust big-pharma. Natural remedies that I make myself are guaranteed to be effective, pure and safe with no additives or preservatives that cant be pronounced by the common person.

Not only that, but I'll have developed the confidence I need to experiment further with other herbs and flowers. Marigolds are next. There may be a good reason why gold is in its name.

Tell me if you come up with something for headaches I'm a frequent sufferer. Also I shake for lack of a better word sometimes and it bothers me alot.

[edit on 10-04-08 by Beach Bum]

I've never brewed my own but Melissa O is real medicine.

It's very good for cold sores, probably better than anything topical but you'd have to figure out how to make a cream. Taken internally it mellows me out and I use it combined with a few other herbs to help sleep sometimes so be careful at first. Maybe take it in the evening. Individual effects and mileage vary.

Lastly good luck! Nature has provided many gifts that big pharma doesn't want you to know about.

Why not use PGA? It's cheaper, and it is the base for a great many cough meds that contain alcohol. It can also be used on wounds, if necessary, and it would be a shame to waste good brandy or whiskey by pouring it on a wound.

Originally posted by kettlebellysmith
Why not use PGA? It's cheaper, and it is the base for a great many cough meds that contain alcohol. It can also be used on wounds, if necessary, and it would be a shame to waste good brandy or whiskey by pouring it on a wound.

What is PGA? I've never heard of it.

I'm new at this and still learning.

No problem. When I bought mine I sent my dad a copy too and he wasn't the type to be interested in things like that. I was trying to give him a hint (he wasn't the kind to listen to advice either). Anyway he told me he thought it was a joke at first but read it and really liked it.

JK & co. seem to have done some miraculous things. I for one believe them for the most part. Not because I feel the herbs ect. performed miracles but because they helped and Kloss basically told the patients it was possible and ok to heal. The body is an amazing piece of work.

Originally posted by kettlebellysmith
Why not use PGA? It's cheaper, and it is the base for a great many cough meds that contain alcohol. It can also be used on wounds, if necessary, and it would be a shame to waste good brandy or whiskey by pouring it on a wound.

Actually, one should research the herb that they're making into a tincture before going through with it. Some herbs require a certain amount of alcohol to bring out desired properties. I usually use PGA because it's easy to dilute if too much alcohol would kill off the effects I'm going after or would give me another aspect of the plant's usefulness (I'd give an example, but I'm not at home, so I don't have my herbal handy.) There are yet others that can be obtained through the same process but with either water (like a sun tea, only very, very strong) or distilled (white) vinegar. In any case, it's pretty well acceptable to use a brandy, vodka, or whiskey if you want the tincture to not taste quite so much like medicine. Though, I must admit, I'm more partial to tea/tisane/decoctions - there's something comforting in drinking tea for wellness rather than measuring out medicine.

I've been involved with herbal medicine since I was a teen (my grandma was an herbalist.) I'm about to start school soon so that I can practice naturopathy (including herbalist and homeopathic medicine), since I've already got a firm grounding in it. I can give fairly good recommendations for just about anything, at this point!