Names:

Melissa officinalis, Lemon Balm

Description:

Lemon Balm grows 1.5 to 2 feet tall, featuring pairs of ovate leaves on characteristic square stems. In summer, it produces small, inconspicuous white or pale yellow flowers that are highly attractive to honeybees

Growing Conditions:

It is easily grown in USDA zones 3–7. It prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soils, including poor ones, as long as they are well-drained. Regular pruning helps encourage the growth of new leaves, which have the best fragrance, and prevents the plant from becoming weedy or over-seeding

Light requirements:

Full Sun to partial shade

Soil requirements:

rich, well-drained, loamy soil that stays consistently moist but waterlogged

Preferred pH between 6.5 and 7.0 though adaptable

Watering:

Consistently moist, well-draining, but can tolerate some drought

Harvest:

Just before flowering when leaves are most aromatic.

Frequent harvesting keeps it from becoming woody.

Parts Used:

Leaves and flowering tops

Herbal Actions:

Nervine, Carminative, Antispasmodic, Antiviral/Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Circulatory tonic

Energetics: Warming

Uses:

Lemon balm is classified as a "gentle nervine," used to reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia. The leaves are commonly used in calming teas, added to salads for a citrusy kick, or applied topically as an antiviral treatment for cold sores.

Common uses:

Mental Health: Anxiety, Insomnia, stress, and depression

Digestive Health: IBS, indigestion, and nervous stomach

Physical Ailments: Herpes/cold sores, PMS, and tension headaches

Cognitive Support: Improving mood and memory

Allies:

Ideal companions include tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, and other herbs such as sage, thyme, rosemary, and lavender just to name a few.

Notes:

Avoid planting by Fennel and Wormwood

Is part of the mint family and can be an aggressive grower

Cautions:

Has been known to cause allergic reactions to those sensitive to daisies and ragweed like species   

*Should not be taken internally while pregnant*