Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm aka balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. It is native to Northwestern Africa and from Southern Europe to Central Asia. Lemon balm is very easy to grow. However, it is a vigorous self-seeding plant. Young plants are easy to remove and make excellent salad greens. If lemon balm is vigorously pruned in late summer, after it begins to set seed, abundant new leaves will appear a few weeks later.

Lemon balm was used by both the ancient Greeks and Romans. It was recorded in 300 BC in Theophrastus’ History Plantarum. Le Calendrier de Cordoue (c. 961-976 AD) records that it (turunjān in Arabic) was being grown in the gardens of Islamic Iberia. In traditional medicine lemon balm is used to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Its use as a tea to uplift the spirit has persisted to the present day. For additional information see “Folium Melissae” in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants, volume 2, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2002, pages 180-187. (Available without cost on-line.)

In medieval Europe lemon balm was frequently used as a strewing herb. In the Victorian language of flowers it represents “sympathy”.

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