Description of Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an herb that is grown all over the world. It is a member of the mint family and its mint-shaped leaves have a lemony scent when rubbed. It is used in aromatherapy, cooking and alternative medicine. Lemon balm is most often used as an herbal supplement in treatments that are meant to reduce stress and anxiety. It is typically combined with other soothing herbs such as chamomile as a treatment for insomnia or anxiety.
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Appearance and Scent
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Lemon balm has mint-shaped leaves Lemon balm is a yellow-green plant that typically grows into a clump one to two feet in height. It produces small clusters of butter yellow or bluish flowers in the spring and summer. The leaves of the plant are dark green or yellow green, mint-shaped and lemon-scented.
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Cultivation and Harvesting
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Lemon balm is an herbaceous perennial that can be grown in a variety of climates and in sun to partial shade. It is grown for its leaves, which must be harvested before the plant flowers for the best fragrance and flavor.
Storage
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Store lemon balm in tightly sealed containers. Store fresh leaves in tightly sealed containers. Refrigerate fresh lemon balm leaves for three or four days. The leaves also can be frozen or dried. Dry leaves by spreading them in a dark place with good air flow.
Medicinal Uses
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Use lemon balm capsules or extracts to treat colds, flu, high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety and indigestion. Treat migraines, tension and high blood pressure with lemon herb capsules or extracts. Add the essential oil of lemon herb to mild lotion to treat cold sores.
Culinary Uses
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Lemon Balm can be used in cooking. Lemon balm, which has a mild flavor, can be used in foods. Add chopped fresh leaves in sweet or tangy dishes, or combine it with other herbs such as bay leaves, mint, pepper, thyme and rosemary for savory egg, poultry or lamb dishes. Add chopped leaves to fruit dishes, custards and sorbets to provide a complex flavor.
How to Purchase
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Purchase dried lemon balm leaves, teas, capsules, extracts and oils in culinary or alternative medicine shops. Buy prepared creams for skin treatments or use essential lemon balm oils in aromatherapy.
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Gisela Francisco Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Andreas Kollegger Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Patty O'Hearn Kickham Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Melissa Wiese
