This lemon-scented herb attracts honey bees and is a useful, prolific garden plant.
Lemon balm, or Melissa Officinalis, is amember of the mint family.
Its easy to grow and easy to use for cooking and for medicinal purposes.
Discover the many uses of lemon balm.
In this article
Cultivating Lemon Balm
Lemon balm can be started from seed in the spring.
The plant grows easily from divisions or from spring or summer cuttings.
It prefers full sun, but also does well in partial shade.
It is hardy in zones 4-5 and thrives in well-drained soil.
Once established, lemon balm spreads easily.
It will take over an herb or flower bed if not maintained.
It can be added to iced tea to give it a subtle, lemony flavor.
This makes it particularly effective as a calming tea that can help when over-tired or anxious.
The Readers Digestbook suggests that lemon balm can help relieve flatulent spasms.
It is also a helpful herb to take when feeling mildly depressed as it eases nervous tension.
InThe Forgotten Arts, Bacon recommends that lemon balm be used topically to relieve a bee sting.
Since it is easy to cultivate, lemon balm is a perfect addition to a home herb garden.
