Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a hardy perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), prized for its fresh, lemony scent, soothing properties, and culinary versatility. Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, lemon balm is easy to grow and widely loved for its uplifting aroma, bee-friendly flowers, and traditional use in calming herbal remedies.
 
🍽️ Culinary Uses
Lemon balm’s citrusy, mint-like flavor makes it a versatile herb for sweet and savory dishes:
Fresh Leaves:
Use young leaves in:
Fruit salads and green salads
Herbal teas or infused water
Desserts (sorbets, cakes, jellies)
Chicken and fish marinades
Lemon balm pesto or compound butter
Infused:
Add leaves to:
Vinegars, oils, or syrups
Honey or lemonade for a refreshing twist
🍋 Best used fresh, as lemon balm loses much of its flavor when dried or cooked for too long.
 
🌿 Medicinal Uses
Lemon balm has a long tradition in herbal medicine, especially for its calming and antiviral properties:
Mild Sedative:
Helps reduce stress, anxiety, and restlessness; often used in bedtime teas
Digestive Soother:
Eases bloating, indigestion, and mild nausea
Cold Sore Remedy:
Topical lemon balm preparations may help reduce the duration and severity of herpes simplex outbreaks
Cognitive Support:
Traditionally used to aid focus and memory, especially in calming mental overstimulation
 
🌱 Growing Requirements
Lemon balm is easy to grow, low-maintenance, and well-suited to the UK climate:
Location:
Prefers full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Too much shade may reduce oil content and aroma.
Planting:
Space plants 30–40 cm apart
Care:
Water regularly during dry spells
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh leaf growth
Divide every few years to keep plants vigorous and contained
 
🐝 Garden Benefits
Lemon balm supports pollinators and makes a lovely addition to any herb garden:
Pollinator-friendly:
Small white flowers attract bees—the genus name Melissa means “honeybee” in Greek
Deer- and rabbit-resistant:
Its strong scent helps deter grazing animals
Companion plant:
May help repel mosquitoes and is said to improve the flavor of neighboring plants
 
Genus: Melissa officinalis
Aspect: Full Sun / Part shade
Type: Perennial
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 0.5 metres
Spread: 0.5 metres