Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a genus of plants belonging to the mint family. The most well-known species in this country is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), whose name derives from its lemon-like scent.

Originating from the eastern Mediterranean region and Western Asia, it gradually spread to all temperate and warm areas of the world. In sunny and nutrient-rich locations, the warmth-loving lemon balm thrives particularly well. As a wild plant, this perennial herb is mainly found along forest roads and in clearings.

 

Lemon balm has long been used as a medicinal plant—even before it enriched numerous monastery gardens in the Middle Ages, sometimes even by decree. The herb is rich in essential oil. This consists of substances such as citral, geranial, neral, and citronellal, which give lemon balm its unmistakable scent. Beta-caryophyllene and Lamiaceae tannins, including rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, are other important components.

 

Lemon balm not only emits a lemon-like scent, its leaves also have a lemon aroma. Therefore, it is also wonderful as a culinary herb. Fresh lemon balm brightens up any salad and quark, and also enhances fish, poultry, and game dishes. In drinks, freshly picked leaves alone make a pretty garnish. When cooked, however, lemon balm loses its slightly fruity but at the same time pleasantly spicy note.

The herb owes its name to its early use as a bee pasture: Melisse comes from Melitta, the Greek word for honeybee. Even today, the plants attract bees and other insects to the garden.

Lemon balm also has a long tradition as a medicinal plant in human history. It was already in demand in ancient times. Hildegard of Bingen, the herbalist of the Middle Ages, recommended its use as a mood enhancer. In doing so, the saint was ahead of her time: today, the calming and sleep-promoting effects of lemon balm are well documented. It can also help with nervous restlessness.

When taken internally, for example as tea, the plant can also relieve digestive complaints, especially when accompanied by abdominal cramps or bloating. Externally, creams with lemon balm are suitable for treating cold sores.

 

As a perennial herb, lemon balm can live quite long—up to 30 years—and grow between 20 and 90 centimeters tall. From its strong rootstock emerges the square stem, which branches widely. The toothed leaves of lemon balm are interspersed with coarse veins, at the ends of which are small oil glands. In its second year, lemon balm blooms for the first time.