06/13/2026
🌿Herbs work differently for everybody. This is why I think it’s important that we don’t look at plants purely through the lens of, “What can this plant do for me?”
When you pet a horse or spend time with a dog, you’re usually not thinking, “What benefit is this giving me right now?” Of course there are benefits, but that’s not the reason for the relationship.
I think plants can be similar.
Most people don’t think of plants in terms of relationship, but I believe their gifts go much deeper when we do. Plants are incredibly generous, and maybe even changing our language can change our relationship with them.
What if instead of asking, “What can you do for me?” we asked, “What gifts do you offer?”
When someone gives you a gift, gratitude naturally arises. That’s a different experience than simply taking something for its benefits. Perhaps our role in the relationship with plants is, in part, to receive their gifts with gratitude.
And a grateful heart has gifts of its own.
How might herbal medicine feel different if we approached it this way?
That being said, after years of working with the sunny hearted lemon balm,here are some of the gifts I’ve seen it offer:
🌿 A brighter mood
🌿 Emotional support during difficult seasons
🌿 More restful sleep
🌿 Thyroid support
🌿 A cheerful and comforting friend
What gifts has lemon balm shared with you? I’d love to add to the list.
