Lemon Balm-My Kitchen Herb of the Week

Beautiful delightful uplifting Lemon Balm, grow some and go out and smell it, cut it, and drink it often.

Lemon Balm, a spreading annual, smells like wonderful lemon! It is best used 

fresh, but can be used dried or as an essential oil (found under its other 

name, melissa). Lemon balm is cooling and soothing, but also is excellent as 

an antidepressant. Smell some, pick some, add it to an iced tea brew or to a 

sachet to pick up the spirits. Very good for healing, especially mental 

health.  

Lemon Balm is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae.  It grows to 70–150 cm tall. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint. During summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear. These attract bees.

The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as a repellant for mosquitos.

It is claimed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties (it is effective against herpes simplex).

Lemon balm should be avoided by those on thyroid medication (such as thyroxine), as it is believed the herb inhibits the absorption of this medicine.

Lemon balm contains eugenol, which kills bacteria and has been shown to calm muscles and numb tissues

Lemon Balm

(Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is an attractive herb with yellow or variegated leaves

smelling strongly of lemons. Is is a great addition to any garden

since it is very attractive to bees. A tea made from the leaves is

said to relieve tiredness, sooth headaches, and calm nerves.

Description

This vigorous plant will readily spread throughout the border. It

reaches a height of 3 feet with a spread of 2 feet. The oval, almost

heart-shaped leaves have slightly serrated edges and a pronounced

network of veins; they can be up to 2½ inches across. The flowers,

which bloom from mid- to late summer are small, white, and

insignificant.

Cultivation

Seeds are slow to germinate and are so fine that they hardly need

covering at all. An alternative method of propagation is to take

cuttings in late spring and root them in water. Plant in warm, moist

soil in a sunny location. Good sun and moisture are necessary for the

production of essential oil and good fragrance. Cut back to soil

level in the fall to encourage strong growth. The plant will not

tolerate high humidity. Lemon Balm performs well in containers.

Culinary Uses

Use fresh leaves in salads and as a garnish for fish and other

dishes. When candied, the leaves make attractive cake decorations.

Chopped leaves can be added to fish and chicken dishes and sprinkled

over fresh vegetables. Add the leaves to cooked dishes in the last

few minutes. They can also be added to summer drinks and fruit

salads, and make a good substitute for lemon peel in recipes.

Medicinal Use

Lemon balm is traditionally used to restore nerves. It helps relieve

anxiety attacks, palpitations with nausea, mild insomnia and phobias.

It combines well with peppermint to stimulate circulation, and can

also be used for colds and flu.

Other Uses

An infusion of leaves makes a refreshing skin toner and can be used

in rinse water for clothes. A stronger infusion makes a good rinse

for oily hair. Use as a facial steam for dry skin. Dried leaves add a

lemony scent to Potpourris.

from Garden Guides

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

aka: Sweet Balm, Garden Balm and Melissa

Melissa is a Greek word meaning "honey bee". Officinalis indicates 

that the plant is medicinal in nature. 

History

This member of the mint family has been recognized for both its 

soothing smell and medicinal qualities for as far back as the ancient 

Greeks. In the Elizabethan times, Londoners carried Tussie Mussies 

filled with Lemon Balm and other sweet smelling herbs and flowers.

Today, Lemon Balm is used for its sedating and calming properties. 

Use it to relax the nervous system, relieve cramping and many other 

stomach problems. Lemon Balm has also been found to increase blood 

circulation and is great for treating colds.

Lemon Balm is an easy to grow perennial with small white flowers that 

bloom from July through September. It can reach a height up to 3 feet 

and can tolerate most types of soil. It propagates easily by seeds 

and root division. It requires minimum attention but does need plenty 

of water. Both the leaves and the flowers have the sweet lemony scent 

and can be used fresh or dried.

When it dies back in the winter, cut the long dried out stems to the 

ground. Then wait until spring when it comes back to life. Lemon Balm 

can easily take over your garden; good thing it does so well in 

containers.

Medicinal Uses

Lemon Balm has many uses including restoring the nervous system, 

relieving anxiety attacks, palpitations, phobias and insomnia. It 

also supports the female reproductive system by regulating menstrual 

cycle, easing cramping and it's antidepressant properties helps with 

emotional upsets.

Lemon Balm is a great tea for feverish patients suffering from the 

flu. It increases sweating and helps reduce fever. It has also been 

found to increase blood circulation and is great for treating colds.

Medicinal Properties Include:

Calmative, Nervine, Antispasmodic, Antihistamine, Carminative, 

Sedative, Antidepressant, Diaphoretic, Febrifuge, Antiviral, 

Antibacterial, Antimicrobial.

Dried Herb Usage

Tea - Drink for colds, fever, indigestion, PMS and insomnia.

Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried crushed herbs per cup of boiled water. 

Steep 10 minutes. 

Skin - Use dried Lemon Balm for a lightly astringent facial steam. 

Rub fresh leaves on the skin to treat cold sores, insect bites and 

for a natural mosquito repellent. Careful, can attract Bees.

Bath - It's antihistaminic abilities make it beneficial to allergy 

sufferers and those that suffer from upper respiratory difficulty. 

Make a strong infusion then add to bath water. Also great for 

purifying baths.

Potpourri - A great addition of scent to any potpourri or Tussie 

Mussies.

Culinary - Use fresh leaves in salads, salad dressings or as a 

garnish. Add chopped leaves to the last few minutes of cooking fish 

and chicken or sprinkle over vegetables.

Essential Oil Usage

Inhalation: Use in a diffuser to balance emotions, strenghten the 

mind and remove mental blocks.

Skin - Great for cold sores and other herpes viruses outbreaks.

Circulatory System - Increases blood circulation. Add 8 drops to 

bath, soak 15 minutes.

Cautions:

It is not suggested to use Lemon Balm when pregnant because of its 

effect with balancing the menstrual cycle.

It may irritate skin if used in large quantities, use on infected 

areas only; avoid surrounding areas of skin. 

Anti-Depression Drink

1 cup lemon balm leaves (you can substitute lemon juice)

large pitcher

1 bottle white wine OR 1 quart lemonade

plastic wrap

1 bottle ginger ale

lemon slices

Put the lemon balm/juice in the pitcher. Pour the wine/lemonade over them

and chant:

Wine and herb now mix together

Bring my spirit sunny weather

As I sip you, blues be gone

By breeze, earth,sea, and shining sun.

Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for at least one

hour. Fill a tall glass with ice, then pour it half full of the earlier

prepared wine and lemon. Finish filling the glass with ginger ale, stir and

garnish with a lemon slice or two. Hold the glass high in a toast to the

deities and chant:

A happy life I grant myself

The joy of fairies, sprites and elves!

As I sip depression leave!

As I will so mote it be!

--------------------

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Drink as an infusion to soothe away the emotional pains after a relationship break-up; considered useful in recovery from trauma and sexual assault. Has long been considered to drive away melancholy and low spirits. Is said to increase fertility, and has been used in love potions and aphrodisiacs.

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Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) 

Reduces anxiety and restlessness.  This citrus-fresh herb helps tame tension, nervousness and a mild case of the blues.  Relax with a cup before bedtime to help you feel sleepy.  Choose fresh or dried leaves that have a strong lemony mint scent.  Use two tablespoons of fresh leaves and one tablespoon of dried leaves per cup of hot water, steep and strain.  Drink as needed.

***I once read in an old herbal that one cup of lemon balm tea every day as a tonic would help us live longer.

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Lemon Balm

Latin name: Melissa officinalis

Other names: Balm Mint, Bee Balm,

Blue Balm, Cure-all, Garden Balm,

Honey Plant, Sweet Balm, Sweet Mary

A Remedy For

Insomnia

Nervousness

Although officially recognized only

for its ability to calm the nerves, Lemon

Balm has also been used as a remedy

for bloating and gas, mood

disorders, bronchial inflammation,

high blood pressure, palpitations,

vomiting, toothache, earache, and

headache.

What It Is; Why It Works

Lemon Balm's medicinal properties

have been held in high regard for

nearly two millennium. The Roman

scholar Pliny believed Lemon Balm could

prevent infection in open wounds (an

action that has been clinically proven

for balsamic oils in general). The

noted 16th century physician Paracelsus

believed Lemon Balm could heal even

patients close to death.

Modern research on Lemon Balm has

revealed a mild sedative effect,

antibacterial and antiviral

properties, and an ability to relieve cramps and

gas. Only the plant's leaves are

medicinal.

A perennial herb, Lemon Balm grows

up to 3 feet in height. It is native to

the east Mediterranean region and

west Asia, but is cultivated throughout

central Europe. Before flowering, it

has a lemon-like taste and smell; and

the fresh leaves, in addition to

their medicinal applications, are commonly

used in cooking.

Avoid If...

No known medical conditions preclude

the use of Lemon Balm.

Special Cautions

When taken at customary dosage

levels, Lemon Balm poses no hazards.

Possible Drug Interactions

There are no known interactions.

Special Information If You Are

Pregnant or Breastfeeding

No harmful effects are known.

How To Prepare

Lemon Balm can be found in the form

of dried herb, herb powder, and

liquid or dry extracts, as well as

various liquid and solid commercial

preparations.

To make a tea, pour a cup of hot

water over 1.5 to 4.5 grams (about

one-quarter to 1 teaspoonful) of

crushed Lemon Balm, steep for 10

minutes, and strain.

Typical Dosage

The usual daily dose of Lemon Balm

is 8 to 10 grams (about 2

teaspoonfuls)

Because the strength of commercial

preparations may vary, follow the

manufacturer's instructions whenever

available.

Lemon Balm can be stored in a

well-sealed, non-plastic container

protected from light and moisture

for up to 1 year.

Over dosage

No information on over dosage is

available.

~source unknown~

LEMON HERBS 

by Dell Ratcliffe, publisher

The Country Shepherd

In the heat of summer, anything that is remotely cooling is welcome. Lemon

scented or flavored herbs are always delightful, and this time of year is a

good time to get to know a few of these easy- to-grow herbs better. Here is

a brief introduction to a few of the most popular "lemon" herbs. 

LEMON BALM - Melissa officinalis - Lemon Balm is usually one of the first

herbs a beginning herb gardener grows. Often it is passed along from a

gardening friend, being one of those over-eager plants that once you have

it, you have a LOT of it! In my own garden in full sun, it limps along,

browning and looking sad during spells of extremely hot weather, but

recovers by fall if I cut back the tired growth in mid-summer. In recent

years, it has found a more agreeable home under some crepe myrtles outside

the garden where the shade and marginally moister soil result in strong,

healthy plants. I have seen gardens with some shade and abundant watering

where it becomes almost a pest with its vigorous reseeding. Personally, I’d

never consider such a friendly, happy plant a pest. It is easy to dig up

unwanted plants and add them to the compost pile. Use an infusion of lemon

balm leaves for upset stomachs. It is especially recommended for nausea in

pregnancy. A hardy perennial, lemon balm will die back to the ground after

hard freezes, but reappear early the next spring. 

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis is easy to grow from seed, rooted cuttings or by root division. The herb thrives in full sun, but can be grown in partial shade. Lemon Balm can be grown in most areas of the United States, US hardiness zones 4-9.

Lemon Balm is a perennial. Plant lemon balm in a pot as it will spread (and take over your garden).

Uses for Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm Uses In Your Garden

• Attracts Bees to your garden. And we all know bees are good for polination.

• Mosquito Repellent – It smells better than citronella. from Marie

Medicinal Uses of Lemon Balm

• Alzheimer’s Disease – Lemon balm is inhaled as aromatherapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

• Cold Sores – Topical applications of lemon balm have proven effective at treating cold sores (oral herpes). A study published in Phytomedicine found that, when used early, a cream made with lemon balm extract reduced the number of blisters in an outbreak.

• For a Fever – … her mother always gave this to them when they were kids when they had fever. from Kim

• Tea – cooling, relaxing tea, good for anxiety or nerves.. or just a nice relaxing tea for a busy afternoon or evening. My grandmother always called it Melissa Tea (melissa officinalis) from Kim

Uses For Lemon Balm In Cooking and Baking

• Candied – When candied, the leaves make attractive cake decorations. (You can even use the cooled water as an insecticide.)

• Extract Flavoring – The extract and oil of lemon balm are used for flavor in recipes.

• Fish Garnish – As a garnish for fish.

• Lemon Peel Substitute – Use as a substitute for lemon peel in recipes.

• Lemon Rind Substitute Substitute for lemon rind in jam making, and marmalade.

• Salads – Use fresh leaves in salads.

• Tea

• Vegetable Garnish Sprinkle over fresh vegetables, especially corn and broccoli.

• Wine – The flower tips and young leaves are floated in wine or fruit cups as a flavoring and garnish.

Uses For Lemon Balm For The Home

• Aromatherapy

• Potpourri – dried as part of a potpourri, they add a nice scent.

• Soaps – when making soaps, a nice scent.

• Rinse Aid Can be used in rinse water for clothes.

Personal and Beauty Treatment Uses of Lemon Balm For The Home

• Conditioner – A stronger infusion makes a good rinse for oily hair.

• Facial Use as a facial steam for dry skin and to treat acne.

• To Treat Insect Bites Rub on a fresh lemon balm leaf to soothe insect bites.

• Skin Toner – An infusion made with lemon balm leaves makes for a refreshing skin toner.

Precautions:

If you have Graves Disease, use only under medical supervision.

If you are using sedatives, ask your doctor about using Lemon Balm.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Lemon Balm.

Tell your doctor you are using lemon balm if you have a surgery planned. The doctor may have you discontinue using lemon balm two weeks prior to surgery as it might cause too much drowsiness if combined with medications used during and after surgery.

Here are a few Lemon Balm Recipes:

Lemon Balm Insect Repellent Recipe

Ingredients

• Quart of Vodka

• 2-3 cups Fresh Lemon Balm Leaf

Directions

• Add the lemon balm leaf to the quart of vodka.

• Allow to steep for one month.

• Strain herb from liquid, and pour into spray bottle.

• Add essential oils citronella, peppermint and basil.

Keeps away biting flies, and mosquitoes.

Do not use on small children.

Lemon Balm Tea

Ingredients

• One Lemon Balm Sprig

• Several Mint Leaves

Directions

• Bruise the leaves with a spoon.

• Add hot water to fill the cup, allow to sit for a few minutes.

• Add honey to taste.

Lemon Balm Salad Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Oil

• 1 clove Garlic, crushed

• 1 TBSP White Wine Vinegar

• 1 TBSP Lemon Balm Leaf, chopped

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a blender until liquefied.

• Keep Refrigerate.

Honey and Lemon Balm Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 cup Butter

• 1 cup Honey

• 3 Eggs

• 3 cups Self-raising Flour

• 1 TBSP Milk

• 2 tsp Lemon Juice

• 4 Lemon Balm Sprigs, chopped

Directions

• In a mixing bowl using an electric mixer, cream the butter with honey.

• Add eggs, beat well.

• Add remaining ingredients.

• Drop by spoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake 8-10 minutes at 375°