Common Name: Lemon Balm
Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis
Areas of the United States Found in Nature
Lemon Balm is commonly found in gardens and can naturalize in open areas, along roadsides, and in fields across much of the United States. It thrives in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade and is often grown in herb gardens for its pleasant lemon scent and medicinal uses.
How to Identify It
Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that grows in clumps up to 2-3 feet tall. It has square stems, typical of the mint family, and broad, heart-shaped leaves with a slightly wrinkled appearance and scalloped edges. The leaves are green and emit a strong lemon scent when crushed. Lemon Balm produces small, white or pale yellow flowers in the summer, which attract bees and other pollinators.
How and When to Harvest for the Highest Medicinal Value
Harvest Lemon Balm leaves just before the plant flowers in early summer when the essential oils are at their peak. Cut the stems in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too strong, as this helps preserve the essential oils. For a continual harvest, trim the plant back regularly to encourage fresh, new growth.
How to Preserve the Herb for Future Use
Lemon Balm can be used fresh or dried:
Drying
Hang small bunches of Lemon Balm upside down in a dark, cool, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Alternatively, use a dehydrator on a low setting. Once dry, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in airtight containers away from light and moisture.
Freezing
Chop fresh leaves and place them in ice cube trays with water to freeze. This method helps preserve the flavor and can be used in teas and recipes later.
Medicinal Uses
Lemon Balm is known for its calming, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. It is often used to relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia, as well as to soothe digestive issues and cold sores.
Tea
Steep 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or dried Lemon Balm leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes. This tea can help with relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
Tincture
Fill a jar with fresh Lemon Balm leaves and cover them with a high-proof alcohol like vodka. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it occasionally. Strain the liquid into a clean bottle. The tincture can be used in small doses (usually 1-2 ml) to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Topical Use
Lemon Balm can be made into a salve or infused oil to treat cold sores and minor skin irritations due to its antiviral properties. Apply directly to the affected area as needed.
How to Propagate for Annual Use in Your Garden
Lemon Balm can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or by division.
From Seed
Sow Lemon Balm seeds indoors in early spring. Press the seeds lightly into the soil but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Lemon Balm prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
By Cuttings
Take cuttings from healthy Lemon Balm plants in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in a pot with well-drained soil. Keep the cuttings in a shaded area until they root, then transplant them into your garden.
By Division
Divide mature Lemon Balm plants in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, each with at least one stem. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 1-2 feet apart. Water well after planting.
How to Over-Winter the Plant
Lemon Balm is hardy and can survive winter in most regions without special care.
Cut Back
After the first frost or once the plant has fully died back in late fall, cut the stems down to about 2-3 inches above the ground. This helps prevent any disease and tidies up the garden.
Mulch
Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plant after the ground begins to freeze. This helps protect the roots from severe cold and temperature fluctuations.
Watering
Reduce watering during the winter months, as Lemon Balm goes dormant and does not need as much water. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
In the spring, remove any mulch and allow new growth to emerge naturally. Lemon Balm will regrow from its roots and continue to thrive in your garden.
