Lemon Balm tea with a little honey is really relaxing in Summer heat, and with very good reason. Folk medicine and modern research attest to the perennial plant’s ability to soothe the central nervous system. The essential oils, citral and citronella, treat nervousness, assist digestion, ease headaches and fevers, and help with sleep. We like having Lemon Balm right on the edges of paths so we can cut them easily, or just bend down and smell them! The leaves smell like Pledge, or rather Pledge smells like Lemon Balm. That fragrance is often used in aromatherapy, and the flavor is good in salads or cooking. We cut them to use fresh in tea or dry them for winter use. Cut back after flowering and the leaves will grow back vigorously. You can also use the leaves externally on cold sores and insect bites, or even just rub the leaves on your skin to ward off bugs.

Melissa is the Greek name for honey bee. This Mint family member has been grown for over 2,000 years to attract bees for honey and for the plant medicine. Medieval herbalists praised Melissa as the “elixir of life.” Lemon Balm hails from the Mediterranean, Iran, and Central Asia, introduced to Europe through Spain sometime in the 7th century. They adapt well to a wide range of places, from dry to moist soils and from sun to some shade.

We propagate our Lemon Balm from root divisions in our forest gardens and herb beds.