| The Latin word of the week |
| Melissa (mel-ISS-a)In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who cared for Zeus when he was an infant and hidden from his father. Melissa gathered honey from bee hives to feed Zeus, who developed a sweet tooth as a result and later turned her into a honeybee. Melissa is commonly known as bee balm. It is an herb native to southern Europe, and has been used since ancient times to relieve complaints relating to the nervous system. Its uses were described by Parcelsus, Pliny the Elder, Dioscorides and Gerard. Its common name "balm" is an abbreviated form of balsam, the source of sweet-smelling oil. In modern times, science has proven that balsamic oils derived from aromatic plants are useful in surgical dressings, as they can effectively seal the wound and prevent harmful bacteria from entering. |
Now how cool is this. I am a Herb. I think I may just have to get me some of these.....just because it's me. The things I learn while reading articles.
Anyone else out there have a plant named after them....or I guess it would be more like anyone out there named after a plant?
Melissa officinalis is Lemon Balm, a wonderful aromatic plant. It makes a nice tea and adds something special chopped in a fresh fruit salad. Bees love it! It belongs in every herb garden. I have a fragrant violet named Rebecca, but that's only a given name not the real Latin.
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