Lemon Balm - Not a Mint, whatever they say
Lemon balm is also known by a number of other names, including Bee Herb, Sweet Balm and Melissa. Another name by which it is sometimes known is Balm Mint, but this is a misnomer, as it is not closely related to the mint genus, though it is similar in appearance. The latin name is Melissa officinalis, the second part (’officinalis’) indicating that it was in use as a herbal remedy at the time it was named.
One thing lemon balm does share with the mint family is its tendency to be invasive. At least this means that you are unlikely to run out if you have it in your garden! It will be happy in full sun or partial shade in most soils that are not too heavy, whether dry or moist, and can tolerate drought and frost without keeling over.
The leaves can be used to make a tasty lemon tea on their own or added to China tea, and as a lemon flavoring in cooking. They’re also used as a flavoring in the liqueurs Chartreuse and Benedictine.
Lemon balm can be used in quite large quantities without any worries, in fact recent research has found that taking 1.5g of dried leaves a day improves memory. Normally, it is used as a standard infusion, made with 3-4 teaspoonfuls of fresh or 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried leaves and/or flowering tops to 1 cup of boiling water. Allow to infuse for about 10 minutes and strain before use hot or cold.
A standard infusion can be used internally as a tonic and to treat both viral and bacterial infection, anxiety, depression, and other nervous disorders, headache, insomnia and migraine and to regulate temperature. Use a cooled infusion externally for insect bites - and also as an insect repellent. Lemon balm is also very helpful in combating cold sores, according to research. All in all, lemon balm is a very useful addition to the herbal medicine cabinet.
Like all herbal remedies, to avoid ingesting large quantities of nasty chemicals, it’s important that lemon balm grown for medicinal use is grown organically. To find out more about growing organic lemon balm, visit the Gardenzone.
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