Carmelite Water
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Carmelite water is an
alcoholic Alcoholism is the continued drinking of alcohol despite it causing problems. Some definitions require evidence of dependence and withdrawal. Problematic use of alcohol has been mentioned in the earliest historical records. The World Hea ...
extract of lemon balm and other herbs. It was initially crafted in the 14th century by
Carmelite The Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (; abbreviated OCarm), known as the Carmelites or sometimes by synecdoche known simply as Carmel, is a mendicant order in the Catholic Church for both men and women. Histo ...
nuns from the Abbey of St Just, and was commercialized under the name ''Eau de Carmes''. It is used as an
herbal tonic In herbal medicine, a herbal tonic (also tonic herbs, tonic herbalism) is used to help restore, tone and invigorate systems in the Human body, body or to promote general health and Wellness (alternative medicine), well-being. A herbal tonic is a ...
and toilet water. Various properties are traditionally attributed to lemon balm. It was believed to have healing powers for all sorts of ailments, such as melancholy (Hildegard of Bingen: "lemon balm is warm … and the man who eats it is cheerful, because its heat is communicated to the spleen, which rejoices the heart"), epilepsy, apoplexy (Paracelsus: "the best herb for the heart", Ibn Sina or Avicenna: "lemon balm is a cardiac tonic") and Pliny the Elder recommended the plant in the form of an aqueous extract or oenolé against insect bites, menstrual disorders, abdominal pain and rheumatic diseases. In the 17th century, the English writer John Evelyn described lemon balm as a plant good for the brain.


See also

* Klosterfrau Melissengeist


References

Toiletry Perfumes French liqueurs Herbal liqueurs {{Alcoholic drinks