Lemon Balm, or Melissa officinalis, is a sweet-scented perennial found in southern Europe, with a striking name that makes it ideal for cosmetic use. But is there more to this lemon balm than meets the eye?

Lemon Balm Facts

Melissa officinalis is particularly apt to describe lemon balm – 'Melissa' is a Greek translation meaning 'honeybee' for its yellowish colour, and 'officinalis' denotes an engrained linkage with medicine and therapy, which reflects lemon balm's usage for assisting with a number of conditions. Lemon balm has been used for thousands of years as a stimulant and sedative, and it is frequently used in herbal teas for its calming abilities.

What does Lemon Balm Look like?

Despite its natural origins, lemon balm has been artificially spread across the world, and has adapted perfectly to a variety of climates and soil types. Lemon balm is so called for the distinctive lemon smell emitted when the yellowish leaves are picked. The leaves themselves usually form toothed heart shapes, which bloom later on in the year from mid summer to late autumn.

Lemon balm has been cultivated across the world, and survives in a range of different conditions. It was introduced to most of Europe by the Romans, and now survives in moist lowlands and dry mountains alike, adapting to the various conditions to which it is subjected. Its bright yellow, golden leaves make it a firm favourite with decorative and landscape gardeners, whilst physicians and alternative therapists appreciated the healing properties it can offer.

Benefits of Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is used largely to promote relaxation and sleep. Beyond that, it can be used in a number of treatments to help relieve painful symptoms. Vomiting, menstrual cramps, irregular digestion and even vertigo can be helped by lemon balm, which was used by the Romans to revive spirits after battle, and to boost morale. Furthermore, recent research has shown that lemon balm might actually be useful in treating nervous disorders through acting on and soothing specific sections of the brain.

Additionally, lemon balm can also be used for cooking with fish and poultry, and is great as a liqueur. Why not try a marinade of lemon balm and other herbs for white meats, or frying some lemon balm in the pan alongside a tuna steak? Its strong flavours work perfectly alongside fish to add a further dimension and enhance the taste of the meat.

Lemon balm can be drunk as a tea to help curb different sickness symptoms. To make lemon balm tea, add a teaspoon to a cup of hot water (short of boiling) to help relaxation. Additionally, a spoonful of peppermint works well to enhance the effectiveness of this tea. Alternatively, why not try infusing 30 oz ground lemon balm to one and a half pints of boiling water for five minutes? Add honey to sweeten to create an herbal remedy that works ideally for treating digestive disorders and complaints.

Drinking lemon balm is also thought to slow the signs of aging and promote longer life through regular use, in addition to clearing the digestive tract and promoting quicker metabolic function. It can also be made into a cordial over fifteen days with a collection of other herbs, such as mint, sage and basil, and alcohol to help treat indigestion and heartburn.