Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm is a
perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to
Southern Europe but now grows all over the world. The plant has a
light lemony-minty scent and usually grows to around two feet tall.
It develops many branches with leaves that are about two inches long,
heart-shaped, and nice to touch. Its white flowers bloom in early
summer and attract bees, hence the name Melissa, which is
Greek for honey bee.
Lemon balm is one
of my favorite plants to use medicinally! It is particularly abundant
in coastal California right now, and I like to pick the fresh leaves
from my garden and steep them in my morning tea. Historically, it has
been used to treat stress and anxiety, insomnia, stomach ailments,
and low appetite, among other things. The crushed leaves can be used
as an insect repellant. I use the leaves for their mild calming
effects, and have found that consuming the plant daily has improved
my ability to cope with stress. Plus, it makes me feel good!
When harvesting, it
is best to pick whole leaves along the stem, leaving the lower leaves
to replace those you've taken. Frequent harvesting encourages new
growth but must be done with care. Be sure to thank the plants you
harvest from and take good care of them. Don't harvest near roadsides
or in areas you suspect might be polluted. As always, be sure you
have correctly identified the plant before using it internally. Happy
gathering!
