How To Use Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm

(Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is the leaf of a perennial herb in the mint family native to the Mediterranean region, central Europe and northern Africa. It is now naturalized in North America.

This ancient herb was dedicated to the Greek goddess Diana. Lemon balm was used medicinally by the Greeks some 2,000 years ago. The generic name “Melissa” comes from the Greek word for bee. They believed that if you put sprigs of balm in an empty hive, it would attract a swarm; equally, if planted near bees in residence in a hive they would never go away.

In medieval Europe, the tea was valued for disorders of the nervous system. It has long been a popular folk remedy for insomnia and to soothe nervous tension. Ladies made linen or silk amulets filled with lemon balm as a lucky love charm.

Lemon balm has been praised by herbal writers for centuries as a tonic for melancholy and is still used today in aromatherapy to counter depression.

Lemon balm is a hardy herbaceous perennial with cluster of small, pale yellow/white flowers in summer. It grows to a height of about 3 feet. The slightly wrinkled green leaves are highly aromatic when crushed with a very fresh scent of lemon.

Melissa officinalis, common lemon balm can be grown from seed. The seed is small but manageable, and it is better to start it off under protection. Sow in prepared seed or plug trays in early spring using potting soil. Cover with perlite. Germination takes between 10 and 14 days. The seeds dislike being wet, so after the initial watering, try not to water again until germination starts. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant in the garden about 18 inches apart. Keep trimming established plants in summer and cut back after flowering to help prevent self-seeding. In the fall, divide established plants or any that may have encroached on other plant areas. The plant dies back in the winter, leaving but a small presence on the surface of the soil. Protect with bark or straw mulch. The variegated lemon balm can only be propagated by cuttings or division.

Lemon balm will grow in almost any soil and in any position. It does prefer a fairly rich, moist soil in a sunny position with some shade at midday. In the right condition, lemon balm can be an invasive plant.

Pick the leaves throughout the summer for fresh use. For drying, pick just before the flowers begin to open for the best flavor. Hang the bunches in a cool, dry place away from light. Lemon balm leaves can also be frozen which is the best way to preserve the lemon aroma. The aroma is rapidly lost, together with much of its therapeutic value when dried. When possible, use fresh or frozen.

Finely chop fresh leaves into salads, white sauce for fish, mayonnaise, poultry and pork. Add to fruit salads, jellies, custards, fruit drinks and wine. Add to blended vinegars, especially tarragon.

An infusion of lemon balm is said to relieve headaches and tension and to restore memory. It is also a good tea to drink after meals to ease digestion. Use only fresh or frozen leaves in infusions as the volatile oil tends to disappear during the drying process. To freeze leaves of lemon balm, simply add with water to ice cubes trays and when frozen place in freezer bags.

The essential oil used in aromatherapy is recommended for nervousness, depression, insomnia and headaches.

Lemon balm is a most useful and important herb to keep bees happy. Plant lemon balm around your beehives or orchards to attract pollinating bees. The small flowers may appear a bit boring, but to bees they are sheer heaven, a place of bliss for busy bees.

‘Aurea’ is a variegated lemon balm with green/gold leaves. This beautiful variety is as hardy as common lemon balm. It grows to a height of 1 foot. Grow in light shade, as the hot sun can scorch leaves, creating pale spots. This is a very attractive herb in the summer garden. To maintain variegation, keep cutting back to promote new growth.

References:

McVicar, Jekka. Herbs for the Home, Viking Penguin,1994.

Buchman, Dian, Ph.D. Herbal Medicince, Wings Books, 1996.

“There is one thing that you will find practically impossible to carry into your greenhouse, and that is tension.” – Charles Potter