Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis f. officinalis (L.) Briq.

Lemon balm, also known as melissa, is a medicinal and culinary herb with a long history. Its medicinal use dates back some 2,000 years. The leaves are traditionally used to treat nervous restlessness, improve sleep, and alleviate mild gastrointestinal complaints. It is characterized by its spicy, aromatic scent, which is strongly reminiscent of lemon.

Profile

  • Botanical name: Melissa officinalis f. officinalis (L.) Briq.
  • German name: Lemon balm, balm, true balm
  • Plant family: Lamiaceae
  • Occurrence: Northwest Africa and Southern Europe to Central Asia; common in gardens in Europe
  • Location: Sunny locations; nutrient-rich, warm, and dry sites with humus-rich, sandy loam or loamy sand soils
  • Elevation: grows wild up to about 1,000 meters
  • Height: about 50 to 80 centimeters
  • Flowering season: June through September
  • Part of the plant used: Leaves
  • Special feature: The crushed leaves have an aromatic lemon scent.

Lemon balm is a perennial herb that grows 50 to 80 centimeters tall. It has a square, often branched, and sparsely hairy stem. The opposite leaves have petioles of varying lengths; they are broadly ovate to heart-shaped and have an irregularly notched or serrated margin.

The dark green upper surface of the leaves is slightly hairy and has a distinctly prominent venation. The pale white flowers are about one centimeter in size and are arranged in small, semi-whorled clusters in the leaf axils.

The flowers and crushed leaves have a spicy, aromatic scent strongly reminiscent of lemon. The scent comes from the essential oils contained in glandular scales on the upper surface of the leaves. As a perennial plant, lemon balm can survive even cold winters thanks to its underground rhizome. In the garden, it tends to spread vigorously.

Uses at A.Vogel

Herb Salt

Herbamare ® Original

Sea salt with vegetables and herbs.

Related health topics:

  • Digestion, Liver & Intestines
  • Bile
  • Flatulence
  • Feeling of fullness
  • Vitamins & Minerals
  • Immune System
  • Nutrition