The Medicinal Properties of Lemon Balm

Lemon balm or Melissa officinalis is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family. The plant is so named because of its scent, which is reminiscent of lemons. The herb gets its other common name (bee balm) from its use by beekeepers in the past to lure bees back to the hive (the word Melissa comes from the Greek for “bee”). This herb can grow as tall as three feet and produces yellow flowers from late spring to early autumn. These flowers have the strongest lemon scent out of any part of the plant.

Where and how does it grow?

This herb is native to Europe, Northern Africa and western Asia, but grows well in the Americas too (full disclosure: this author has grown the plant in the northeastern U.S.). It is grown almost everywhere in the world in fact – its requirements are fairly simple; slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils both suit this hardy herb well. The herb goes dormant in the winter and should be mulched in cooler climes to protect the plant from winter temperatures.

This herb may be planted as seed after all danger of frost is past, at a depth of about ¼ inch as the seeds need sunlight to germinate. Seedlings will emerge in about 7 to 10 days. They can also be propagated by using root cuttings – although as many gardeners will tell you, these plants will spread if you allow them to. You’ll need to keep up with weeding if you’re growing this herb. They have shallow roots which make them more vulnerable to competition by weeds – and also mean you must use caution when weeding around them.

How long have its uses been known?

Bee Balm, as it is also called, has been known as a medicinal herb for over 2,000 years now in Europe, Africa and Asia alike. To reduce fever, quell nausea, battle insomnia and a variety of other ills, this was the herb that was gathered from the garden.

How is Lemon Balm used?

Essential oils and teas made from the leaves of the plant are employed to treat a wide variety of maladies including toothache, loss of appetite, nausea and even to speed the healing of wounds. Lemon Balm can be a versatile herb indeed when it becomes part of your medicine cabinet. Creams containing a 1% concentration of the herb are also available.

In the modern era, the herb is most commonly used to treat insomnia (for which use it is approved in Germany), as a mild antibacterial and antifungal agent, for stomach upset and most recently, the treatment of herpes sores and cold sores.

With such a broad range of applications, it is hard to believe that Lemon Balm doesn’t enjoy a place in every medicine cabinet already (as it once did). It’s usefulness for a variety of purposes and the fact that the plant is quite attractive as a garden accent will ensure that this friend of mankind will return to the widespread use that it once enjoyed.

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