Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm is not to be confused with bee balm, a totally different plant family. Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Lemon Balm grows about 2 feet tall. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, with a faint hint of mint. During the summer, small white flowers appear that are full of nectar. These attract bees, hence the genus name ‘Melissa’, Greek for ‘honey bee’.

This herb prefers full sun but is moderately shade-tolerant. In dry climates, it grows best in partial shade. It can be grown easily indoors.

Lemon Balm is a perennial. The stems of the plant die off at the start of winter but shoot up again in spring. Here in SW Florida, it will grow until we have a “winter night”. And it will pop up again as soon as the cold weather is finished.

Lemon Balm will re-seed itself prolifically and can become a nuisance in gardens. Because of this, you may prefer to grow it in a container.

There are many cultivars of Melissa officinalis, such as:
 Melissa officinalis ‘Citronella’
 Melissa officinalis ‘Lemonella’
 Melissa officinalis ‘Lime’
 Melissa officinalis ‘Variegata’

This herb is often used as a flavoring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combinations with other herbs such as spearmint.

The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as a mosquito repellant.

Lemon balm is used medicinally as an herbal tea or in extract form. It is claimed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties and is effective against herpes simplex.

At least one study has found lemon balm to be effective at reducing stress. 

Lemon balm is used in some variations of the Colgate Herbal toothpaste for its soothing and aromatic properties.

Lemon balm should be avoided by those on thyroid medication (such as thyroxine), as it is believed the herb inhibits the absorption of this medicine.

3 inch pot – $3.00