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Herbs&Spice

LEMON BALM

LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm (or sweet balm, as it is sometimes called) is a lemony scented and flavored, much branched perennial that grows to about 2 feet high. The light green leaves are heavily veined, 2-3 inches long, and have scalloped margins. White flowers grow along the stems throughout the summer but they are not numerous or conspicuous.

Beekeepers valued lemon balm because it was supposed to attract bees; it was also believed that bees would stay together and in the garden longer if their hives were rubbed with the leaves. Lemon balm also was a popular strewing herb, and chairs used to be rubbed with the foliage to give them a pleasant lemon scent. A tea made from its leaves was reputed to dispel melancholy and sadness, while a compress of leaves was applied to scorpion stings 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. Shear plants back occasionally to keep growth compact and contained. The seeds take a long time to germinate and should be sown in the fall for spring plants. You can propagate lemon balm from root divisions or stem cuttings.

Use the fresh or dried leaves to make a refreshing lemon flavored tea, float them in claret cups and punches, or add to fruit salads for a subtle lemon flavor. They are also an ingredient in many potpourris and produce a fragrant oil used in perfume manufacture.