Lemon balm has been a staple in our herb garden for many years- because it is such an attractive and low maintenance plant and so useful. On hot summer days iced tea flavored with lemon balm leaves is a natural refresher. On sultry nights the hint of lemon in a glass of cool white wine is both relaxing and soothing. Year-round, hot tea made with lemon balm leaves provides a calming drink that aids digestion and induces sleep.

Lemon balm is in the mint (Lamiaceae) family but is not as invasive as many of the mints. It is relatively well behaved garden dweller that requires a minimum of management- and well worth the effort. It is a perennial and hardy in grow zones 4-10. It is native to the mountainous regions of southern Europe where it was called “hearts delight”.

Propagation: Lemon balm can be propagated by cuttings, plant division or seed. Seeds germinate rather slowly (14-21 days) so patience is needed. Seeds also need light to germinate. Refer to our seed starting article Starting Your Own Plants from Seeds; Spring, 2007 for a detailed seed starting procedure.

Planting Location: Lemon balm should be grown in full sun to partial shade. Lemon balm will spread out so give it enough room to expand. Locate plants no closer than 18-24 inches. Ensure proper circulation around the plant to prevent powdery mildew. Plants will reach a height of approximately 18 inches. If spreading is not desired or you want to limit its expansion, plant your lemon balm in a sunken container or surround it with a barrier sunk at least 8 inches into the ground. Lemon balm prefers a well-drained, light sandy soil and its leaves actually become more aromatic in poor soil. Lemon balm can also be grown indoors in pots. Lemon Balm is beneficial in attracting honeybees and repelling many pest insects.

Maintenance: Amend your soil appropriately to ensure proper soil conditions and good water drainage. Depending on the location of your lemon balm plants and the soil composition, you might need to water occasionally during very hot and dry periods. Cut the leaves back often to stimulate growth and divide plants every other year for plant vigor and healthy growth.

Harvesting and preserving: The leaves should be harvested prior to the plant flowering; making sure to handle the leaves carefully because they bruise easily. Leaves may be dried, however for best flavor use them fresh whenever possible. Once dried, leaves should be stored in airtight glass containers in a dark location.

Culinary Uses: Fresh leaves can be used to flavor vinegars; either alone or combined with tarragon. Fresh leaves also can be used to add flavor to salads, white sauces (particularly with fish), mayonnaise and soups. Traditionally lemon balm has been used to flavor wine, teas and beer. Lemon Balm has a slightly milder flavor than Lemon Verbena.

Medicinal: Lemon balm has been used to relieve itching and soreness of insect bites or wounds. Fresh leaves can be placed directly onto the desired area or applied as a poultice. The leaves have also been infused as a tea for relief of bronchial problems, feverish colds, headaches, to calm and to help alleviate tension. Lemon Balm essential oil has been used for nervousness, depression, insomnia and nervous headaches and is also believed to inhibit bacteria and viruses.

History/Mythology: Beehives were traditionally rubbed with the sweet smelling lemon balm to keep the hive colony together and to attract bees on their way back to the hive. During the Middle Ages it was believed lemon balm would completely revive a man and it was said “Balm given every morning, will renew youth, strengthen the brain and relive anguishing nature”. Traditionally it was also believed to prevent baldness.

Cosmetic Uses: A lemon balm infusion is great for the skin and is particularly useful where tap water is very hard. A steamy facial infusion is great for someone with acne. Lemon balm makes a good rinse for greasy hair- just make a tea and rinse after shampooing. Add fresh leaves in a muslin bag to bath water for a refreshing summer bath.

At Garden Spirit, we use lemon balm leaves along with calendula and sage leaves in our Herbal Harvest all-natural bath soap and also in our Herbal Harvest bath salts.

Lemon Balm is a beautiful, aromatic and useful herb that is a welcome addition to any garden- grow it, use it, enjoy it!

Please note that any mention of Lemon Balm for medicinal purposes is from a historical perspective only and is not intended to constitute advice for usage. Consult your physician before taking anything for medicinal purposes.