Herb Spotlight: Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

Lemon Balm is a delicious culinary and medicinal herb generally used to calm and relax the nervous system. As a very gentle, sedative herb, enjoy a cup of Lemon Balm tea combined with other herbs like Chamomile and Oatstraw, and feel the stress of the day fade away. Lemon Balm aids in gastrointestinal relief and can be used as a remedy for headaches, depression, and insomnia. Lemon Balm is also a delightful flavoring agent that can be used to enhance the taste of anything that might require a zing of lemon flavor! It is a great addition to salads, soups, chicken, and fish dishes.

Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that grows in many different types of gardens, including the high-altitude (8,300 feet!) gardens of Spirit Horse Herbals. Throughout the winter the Spirit Horse lemon balm lives under 6-feet of snow which provides the spring moisture that Lemon Balm loves. It is an easy-to-care-for herb that is part of the mint family. In some gardens it will take OVER, so be mindful if that is what you don't want! I, on the otherhand, can't get enough of it! Lemon Balm likes some shade and I try to grow it next to taller plants such as Echinacea or Valerian that eventually will shield it from the late afternoon sun. You can harvest your Lemon Balm throughout the growing season and it will grow back with vigor! Clip down and leave 2-3 inches of stem and leaves on the plant. You can dry it or use it fresh. Because of its high level of essential oils, Lemon Balm stores well.

For a calming and relaxing tea, blend Lemon Balm with Chamomile, Lavender, and Oatstraw. Or, instead of using lemon peel to flavor your meat or veggie's, throw in some Lemon Balm leaves and enjoy the burst of lemon flavor!

Tags

lemon balm, Herbs, herbs for your garden, tea garden