Lemon balm: An Intro to Backyard Herbs and Their Uses #2

A beautiful scent, bright greenery with heart-shaped leaves, and so many uses makes lemon balm a must for any novice or experienced herbalist. Because lemon balm, often referred to by its scientific name, Melissa, is in the mint family, it has a tendency of spreading far and wide, making it an easy medicinal to grow and harvest without much care or concern.

A great way to use lemon balm is by making a tincture. To learn about the tincture making process please see our previous article about mint by clicking here. The instructions for making a mint tincture and a lemon balm tincture will be identical.

Health benefits of lemon balm and how use

There are so many benefits to lemon balm that it is hard to know where to begin! The Romans and Greeks even used lemon balm to help treat snake bites (NO, I do NOT recommend this) among other things, like anxiety. Nearly every body system can benefit from this herb, and since it is great as a tea or tincture, it is easy to consume on a regular basis.

I like to take lemon balm to encourage good brain and liver health, as research has shown it improves the antioxidants in these areas.

The aroma is uplifting and energizing, yet the herb has properties that aid in falling asleep and having rejuvenating rest. Drinking lemon balm tea can not only improve your mood, but it can also help you sleep! Definitely a multipurpose herb.

If I have an upset stomach or general digestive disturbance like heartburn or nausea, I’ll take some extra tincture or make some lemon balm tea.

Cosmetic benefits for lemon balm have been noted as far back as the 14th century to help diminish wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of skin. If you like to make your own lotions or salves, consider adding lemon balm to your recipes.

Growing lemon balm

I didn’t have this herb in my garden already, but a friend of mine did. It was easy to take a few small root bunches from her yard and put them in a garden pot at my own home. After just several weeks, new baby plants were already sprouting up. Thankfully, many herbs are easy to get clippings from and transplant in this way.

Planting lemon balm from seeds is also an option, and you can expect to see adult leaves as early as ten weeks. This herb does great in warm climates and can be harvested through November. Since lemon balm is a perennial plant, you will likely be able to keep a healthy supply of lemon balm year after year. It is a very forgiving plant and can grow in many different climates.

Even without the health benefits, lemon balm is a must have for garden spaces as it helps to ward off mosquitoes.