Common Name

Lemon Balm

Scientific Name

Melissa officinalis

Habit

A hardy lemon-scented perennial in the mint family, growing to about 3 feet tall, with square stems and oval, toothed leaves between 1 and 3 inches long. Small, pale yellow flowers in summer that turn pale pink with age.

Hardiness

USDA Zones 3 - 9

Soil & Site

Grow lemon balm in any well-drained soil. Tolerates poor, sandy soils and full sun or partial shade. Lemon balm is also tolerant of droughts and should be kept dry in winter.

History & Lore

The term "balm," short for balsam, is used for many fragrant plants. The genus Melissa is from the Greek word for "bee" and you'll know why when your's blooms in the summer. Lemon balm has a long history of use in Europe where it has been revered for curing many psychological and physical ills. Arab physicians in the tenth and eleventh centuries believed that it promoted good spirits and longevity, and Paracelsus, the 16th century Swiss physician, called it "the Elixir of Life." Because of its many uses, no herb garden should be without this herb!

Suggested Uses

Culinary      

Use lemon balm as you would mint - for teas, to freshen a cold drink. Roast fish, chicken, or meat with sprigs of lemon balm; Crumble fresh leaves into salads.

Health

Research has shown that some of the volatile oils in lemon balm, namely citral and citronellal, have a calming effect on the central nervous system. Also, some of the polyphenols in lemon balm are anti-viral in activity and have been shown to reduce the duration of cold sores and to increase the time between cold sore outbreaks. It is also used to relieve stress-related headaches and irritability. Crushed leaf brings relief to insect stings, and the essential oil repels mosquitoes.

Fun Facts

According to an Herbal published in 1696, "An essence of balm given in canary wine every morning will renew yourth, strengthen the brain, relieve languishing nature, and prevent baldness."

John Hussey, of Sydenham, England, who lived to the age of 116, breakfasted for fifty years on lemon balm tea sweetened with honey, as did Llewelyn, Prince of Glamorgan, who lived to 108.

 

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