Lemon balm has a very aromatic smell and is a member of the mint family.

This plant is a strong antiviral and specializes in treating members of the virus family Herpesviridae. Members of this family include cold sores, genital herpes, chicken pox, shingles, mono, and Sixth disease (roseola infantum).

When combined with Saint John's Wort, helps those with bipolar issues.

This wonderful plant also helps with:

• headaches
• nervous system
• decreases painful spasms caused by IBS
• digestive issues, such as upset stomachs, nausea, gas and bloating
• flu symptoms
• fevers
• menstrual cramps
• mild depression and anxiety
• insomnia
• hypertension
• hyperthyroidism

I forage this plant in central MN.

I use the folk method for making all my tinctures, which uses no measurements except sizing things up with your eyes. So I put the plant material in a jar and then fill with alcohol.

Dosages -

Dosages for children are not provided in most herbals. To determine the correct dose you need to consider the size of the child, the ailment, the power of the herb you intend to use, and the adult dosage.

Young's Rule for determining dosage uses the child's age divided by twelve plus the age. The dosage for a 4 year old: 4/12+4 = 4/16 = 1/4 of the adult dose.