The Magic of Lemon Balm: History, Healing and Flavor
Do you know lemon balm? If not, you’re in for a treat.
It’s like a little burst of sunshine in the garden—fragrant, flavorful, and packed with health benefits.
The Energetics
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is cooling when cold, but warming when made into a hot tea. Different herbal traditions have noted these energetics in different ways, but this is how it has worked for me.
In all cases it’s been considered a drying herb.
A little history
Lemon balm has been around for more than 2,000 years! It originally hails from the Mediterranean, where ancient Greeks and Romans were all about its healing powers.
Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and lemon balm was still as popular as ever. Monks grew it in their gardens and used it for everything from healing wounds to calming nerves. They even made this special tonic called Carmelite water (recipe here), which was basically the go-to remedy for headaches and stress back then.
The name “Melissa,” actually comes from the Greek word for “bee.” Bees love it! People used to plant it near hives to keep the bees happy and make the honey even sweeter.
In Greek mythology Melissa was a nymph who cared for the infant Zeus, feeding him honey instead of milk. According to myth when she revealed the secret of honey to humanity, she was transformed into a bee to protect her from the wrath of the Gods. Probably for letting out their secret.
What Lemon Balm can do for you
Lemon balm isn’t just a pretty plant with a nice smell—this herb is a natural powerhouse.
Chill Out with Lemon Balm: Feeling stressed or anxious? As a relaxing nervine Lemon balm is like a warm hug in a cup. It’s known for its calming effects, helping to reduce stress and anxiety that can lead to headaches and other issues. Some people even use it to help them sleep better. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try a cup of lemon balm tea.
Tummy Troubles? No Problem!: If you ever get indigestion or feel bloated, lemon balm can come to the rescue. As an after dinner tea or tincture, it’s gentle on the stomach and it’s antispasmodic properties can help ease those uncomfortable symptoms. It’s great for kids, too—just brew up a mild tea, and it’ll help soothe their little tummies.
Fight Off Those Nasties: Lemon balm has antiviral properties, which means it can help fend off viruses like the herpes simplex virus (you know, the one that causes cold sores). It can actually stop a cold sore in its tracks on contact. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants, so it helps protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.
Your Skin Will Thank You: Got a minor cut or a skin irritation? Lemon balm’s got your back. It’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, making it great for treating things like eczema, acne, or minor wounds. You can use in a poultice or a wash or in a DIY skincare recipe. Find out how to infuse a lemon balm oil here.
Other not so known wonders: A study written up in July 2003 showed that the use of Lemon balm extract with Alzheimer patients. At 4 months they showed a significantly better outcome on cognitive function than those given a placebo, with the only other significant difference being the observance of a positive effect on the agitation levels of these patients. 1
The Yummy Side of Lemon Balm
Lemon balm isn’t just for health—it’s delicious, too! The leaves have this lovely lemony scent with a hint of mint, making them super versatile in the kitchen.
- Sip It Up: It’s amazing as a warm tea. You can enjoy it on its own or mix it with other herbs like chamomile or lavender for a super soothing drink. It’s also a great way to jazz up your water, lemonade, or even cocktails. Just crush or tear up a handful of leaves and toss them in a quart or so of your favorite drink, and you’re good to go!
- Cooking with Lemon Balm: This herb isn’t just for drinks. It’s great in cooking, too! You can chop up the leaves and add them to salads, soups, or sauces. They pair well with fish, chicken, and veggies. And if you’re into desserts, try using lemon balm in fruit salads or sorbets—it adds a nice, fresh twist.
- Preserve the Goodness: You can also use lemon balm to flavor jams, jellies, and vinegars. It adds a unique flavor that’s both sweet and refreshing. Plus, you can make homemade herbal liqueurs with it—perfect for gifts or just enjoying on a cozy evening.
Growing Your Own
Lemon balm is super easy to grow, even if you don’t have a green thumb. I’ve seen it grow in a rocky drive way in full sun and return year after year in that same rocky drive way. It’s a mint, so it can spread like crazy. It’s a good idea to plant it in a container or a spot where it won’t take over.
When it’s time to harvest, just snip the leaves whenever you need them. The best time to do this is in the morning, when the oils are most concentrated. You can use the leaves fresh or dry them for later. I do both. To dry them, just hang small bunches in an airy place away from sunlight until the leaves are nice and crumbly.
This is one of those herbs that’s just good to have around.
Whether you’re into herbal remedies😍, love experimenting in the kitchen or just want to grow something easy and useful, lemon balm won’t let you down.
Is lemon balm already a friend of yours? If so, let me know how you enjoy it most. If not, are you ready to give it a try?
Tell me all your thoughts in the comments below!
- Akhondzadeh, S, M Noroozian, M Mohammadi, S Ohadinia, A Jamshidi, and M Khani. “Melissa Officinalis Extract in the
Treatment of Patients with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease: A Double Blind, Randomised, Placebo Controlled
Trial.” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 74, no. 7 (July 2003): 863–66. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.74.7.863. ↩︎
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