Pages

Lemon balm


Lemon balm or Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

In England it may be known simply as "balm".

It grows to 70–150 cm tall.

The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint.

During summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear.

Its flavour comes from citronellal 24%, geranial 16%, linalyl acetate 12% and caryophyllene 12%.

Lemon balm is often used as a flavouring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint.

It is also frequently paired with fruit dishes or candies.

It can be used in fish dishes and is the key ingredient in lemon balm pesto.

The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as a repellant for mosquitos.

Lemon balm is also used medicinally as a herbal tea, or in extract form.

It is claimed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, it is effective against herpes simplex.

It is also used as an anxiolytic, mild sedative or calming agent.