FoodFood InformationHerbs&Spice
LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm (or sweet balm, as it is sometimes called) is a lemony scentedand flavored, much branched perennial that grows to about 2 feet high. Thelight green leaves are heavily veined, 2-3 inches long, and have scallopedmargins. White flowers grow along the stems throughout the summer but theyare not numerous or conspicuous.
Beekeepers valued lemon balm because it was supposed to attract bees; itwas also believed that bees would stay together and in the garden longerif their hives were rubbed with the leaves. Lemon balm also was a popularstrewing herb, and chairs used to be rubbed with the foliage to give thema pleasant lemon scent. A tea made from its leaves was reputed to dispelmelancholy and sadness, while a compress of leaves was applied to scorpionstings and mad dog bites.
Lemon balm will thrive in rich, moist soil and in sun or partial shade.It is very hardy and spreads so rapidly that it can become invasive. Shearplants back occasionally to keep growth compact and contained. The seedstake a long time to germinate and should be sown in the fall for springplants. You can propagate lemon balm from root divisions or stem cuttings.
Use the fresh or dried leaves to make a refreshing lemon flavored tea, floatthem in claret cups and punches, or add to fruit salads for a subtle lemonflavor. They are also an ingredient in many potpourris and produce a fragrantoil used in perfume manufacture.