Lemon Balm: Versatile and Healthful Herb

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is a wonderful addition to any herb, container, or window-sill garden. Unlike mint, it has a wonderful lemony smell and flavor; however, it is just as easy to grow as mint. Lemon balm, a perennial native to southern Europe, will easily adapt to growth in almost any climate. It will die down in the winter months, however, the root will not die and the plant will come back in the spring. The leaves of the plant have a strong lemony scent when bruised or crushed; they also have a strong lemon flavor. Lemon balm flowers are small white or yellow blooms; it blooms from June to October with these pretty flowers.

Lemon balm is a very easy to grow herb. It grows well in just about any type of soil and, once established, it is a very drought resistant plant. You can start lemon balm from cuttings, seeds, or even dividing the roots of an existing plant. When started from seeds, however, be forewarned that lemon balm seeds are very slow to germinate. Once they are established, however, the plant will freely re-seed itself and can fast become a weed.

Lemon balm has many uses, both culinary and medicinal. Its wonderful lemon flavor makes it a wonderful addition to salads, dressings and sauces, fish, poultry, and many different casseroles as well. You can also make a very good lemon flavored herbal tea using lemon balm leaves. To make tea using lemon balm, simply pour 8 ounces of boiling water over about one tablespoon of crushed lemon balm leaves and allow to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. This tea can have many health benefits as well as a wonderful taste.