Lemon balm can also be frozen in ice cubes.

Lemon balm(Melissa Officinalis) is part of the mint family.

Like many mints, it grows robustly and is best grown in zones 4-9.

Lemon Balm Uses: Harvesting for Tea, Oil Infusion, Cooking, and Crafts

Lemon balm spreads by seed, not by runners, so it is not as invasive as other mints.

Clipping the herb back can control it when it flowers.

It will reach approximately 1 1/2 feet in height and will add a lemon aroma wherever it is planted.

Harvesting and Preserving Lemon Balm

In full sun, or poor soil, lemon balm leaves become yellow and lose their strong scent.

Be sure to leave several leaves on the plant to prevent it from dying.

After harvesting lemon balm, rinse it immediately and dry it or freeze it.

Making Lemon Balm Oil Infusions and Uses

Lemon balm is best dried in a dehydrator away from sunlight.

To freeze lemon balm, place it in ice cubes for a special treat in summer beverages.

Cover the lemon balm completely with olive oil or other carrier oil.

Lemon Balm Uses in Tea and Cooking

Allow the lemon balm to infuse into the carrier oil for at least 2 weeks shaking it daily.

At the end of two weeks strain the lemon balm from the oil infusion to prevent mold.

Label the lemon balm oil and store it in a cool, dark area.

Dried Lemon Balm Uses in Crafts

Lemon balm oil uses include using it directly on the skin or as a base for creams or ointments.

Lemon balm is also used as a conditioner for oily hair.

Lemon Balm Uses in Tea and Cooking

Dried lemon balm can be useful in cooking.

Lemon Balm Uses: Harvesting for Tea, Oil Infusion, Cooking, and Crafts

The lemon balm oil infusion prepared above can also be used in cooking if the oil is refrigerated properly.

Dried lemon balm also imparts a wonderful flavor into herbal tea.

As an herb it is gentle and relaxing.

It is good alone, or to add flavor to less palatable herbs in making tea.

Dried Lemon Balm Uses in Crafts

The dried leaves add a lemon aroma to craft projects.