Lemon Balm is an Attractive Herb with Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) which has been cultivated for over 2000 years originates from southern Europe. This sweet-smelling, lemon scented, perennial herb was brought to Britain by the Romans. It has been used for centuries for medicinal and culinary purposes. The generic name melissa is the Greek for bee. It is a long held belief that bees will never desert a hive if balm grows near.

Recognizing Lemon Balm

This handsome plant makes a neat bush measuring 30-60cm high and wide. The light green oval almost heart-shaped leaves have slightly serrated edges and a pronounced network of veins. When crushed the leaves exude a strong lemony odour. From mid to late summer it carries small, insignificant white, yellowish or pink flowers. It is a vigorous spreading plant whose rhizomes easily spread throughout the border.

Variegated lemon balm (Melissa officinalis ‘Variegata’) has golden-variegated leaves and golden lemon balm (Melissa officinalis ‘Aurea’) is a golden-leaved variety.

Propagating Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is easily raised from seed in spring. Sow the tiny seeds in a seed tray during April and May. Don’t cover the seeds, just press them gently into the compost. Germinate in an electrically heated propagator or on a warm sunny window sill. Prick out the seedlings into 9cm pots, gradually acclimatize them to outdoor conditions before planting them 60cm apart. Alternately, established clumps can be lifted and divided into smaller pieces. New plants may also be obtained from stem cuttings which can be taken any time during the summer.

Tips for Growing Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm prefers a moist, fertile soil and partial shade. Keep well watered and harvest the leaves two or three times during the summer. Like mint which belongs to the same plant family (Labiatae) it has a propensity to spread into unwanted territory. Although it is not as rampant a colonizer as mint its wayward habit can be controlled by growing lemon balm in sunken pots or other containers.

As summer progresses the leaves become coarse and unappetizing so chop the plants down to ground level to generate a fresh new crop.

Medicinal Cosmetic and Culinary Uses of Lemon Balm

• The leaves either fresh or dried may be used in salad dressings and stuffings.
• Other culinary uses include its addition to fish and poultry dishes, herb sauces and marinades.
• It can also be used for flavouring jams and jellies.
• This herb has soothing and sedative properties hence the reason why lemon balm is often used as an ingredient in herbal teas, because it is thought to promote relaxation and aid sleep. It is particularly effective when combined with peppermint.
• Other benefits are thought to help relieve colic, vomiting and fevers.
• Due to its powerful antiviral and antibacterial qualities the application of Melissa based cream can curtail the development of cold sores.
• The dried leaves may be used in potpourri.
• Essential oil of Melissa can be added to bath oils.
• The flowers which are much loved by bees produce extremely good honey.

Lemon Balm Should Find its Way Into Every Home and Garden

This easy to raise and care for perennial herb has so many virtues that it should have a place in any garden, large or small (grow it in a container on the patio) and in every kitchen.