Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an attractive herb with yellow or variegated
leaves smelling strongly of lemons. Is is a great addition to any garden
since it is very attractive to bees.
Description:
It reaches a height of 3 feet with a spread of 2 feet.
The oval,
almost heart-shaped leaves have slightly serrated edges and a pronounced
network of veins; they can be up to 2½ inches across.
The flowers, which bloom
from mid to late summer are small, white, and insignificant.
Lemon balm's botanical name, Melissa, comes from the Greek word mel, meaning honey, and the herb has a long association with bees and the healing power of their products. It was regarded by the Greeks as a cure-all while the plant is said to be such a favourite with bees that if hives are rubbed with its leaves the insects will never swarm and always return.
John Gerard declared that it "comforteth the hart and driveth away all melancholie and sadnesse", while it was praised by Paracelsus as an "elixir of youth" which he made into a preparation called primum ens melissae. As late as the 18th century lemon balm was still being recommended in "canary wine" to "renew youth".
Parts used: Aerial parts, essential oil
Actions: Anti-bacterial, anti-depressant,
anti-viral, diaphoretic, digestive stimulant, peripheral vasodilator, relaxing,
restorative for the nervous system, sedative
Medicinal Use:A carminative and sedative, lemon balm is
traditionally used to restore nerves.
It helps relieve anxiety attacks, palpitations with nausea, mild
insomnia and phobias.
Helps with depression and anxiety and relieves tension headaches.
Reduces body temperature in fever
It combines well with peppermint to stimulate circulation,
and can also be used for colds and flu.
A gentle herb for treating nervous tummy upsets in children.
Externally, lemon balm
creams can be used on insect bites, sores and slow-healing wounds.
The essential
oil is used in aromatherapy for nervous problems but is also valuable,
well-diluted in sprays, for keeping insects away.
Lemon balm has been considered
over the centuries as being as valuable as honey for treating wounds and
equal in tonic effect to royal jelly.
Culinary Uses: Use fresh leaves in salads and as a garnish
for fish and other dishes. When candied, the leaves make attractive cake
decorations. Chopped leaves can be added to fish and chicken dishes and sprinkled
over fresh vegetables. Add the leaves to cooked dishes in the last few minutes.
They can also be added to summer drinks and fruit salads, and make a good
substitute for lemon peel in recipes.
Other Uses: An infusion of leaves makes a refreshing skin
toner and can be used in rinse water for clothes. A stronger infusion makes
a good rinse for oily hair. Use as a facial steam for dry skin. Dried leaves
add a lemony scent to Potpourris.
Cultivation: This vigorous plant will readily spread throughout the border.
Seeds are slow to germinate and are so fine that they hardly need covering at all.
An alternative method of propagation is to take cuttings in late spring and root them in water.
Plant in warm, moist soil in a sunny location.
Good sun and moisture are necessary for the production of essential oil and good fragrance.
Cut back to soil level in the fall to encourage strong growth.
The plant will not tolerate high humidity.
Lemon Balm performs well in containers.
