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Lemon balm is an herb that can boost your spirit on even the bluest Monday of the year. Whenever I feel exhausted, I search for a plant in my kitchen garden that will help me – and my beloved lemon balm has the fix. Just one cup of lemon balm tea restores me and brightens up my day.
Lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis) is a perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. This aromatic plant is closely related to Peppermint and Spearmint, so it does not come as a surprise that it is also called balm mint. This herb is easily recognized by its wrinkled leaves with prominent veins, toothed margins, and a characteristic lemon-like scent. If you rub your fingers on the leaves, you will smell lemon. How is that possible? The reason is very simple. The lemon-like aroma and flavor of lemon balm are due to the presence of essential oils, which contain citronellal and citral, the same ingredients that are found in the essential oils of lemons.
Melissa and Her Honey Bees
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is also known as Melissa, honey plant, bee balm, and sweet balm.
Throughout history, lemon balm has been closely associated with honey bees. Honey from bees that live near this aromatic plant has an exceptionally pleasant taste and aroma. Bearing the genus name “Melissa”, meaning “bee” in Greek, the plant was likely named for its reported ability to attract bees. In Greek mythology, a Cretan King’s daughter named Melissa discovered and taught the use of honey to the ancient Greeks, from whom bees were believed to have received the name “Melissa”.
Cherished Herb
Lemon balm recently became a very popular culinary herb. The aromatic leaves of lemon balm with distinctive lemon aroma are very popular in chefs’ kitchens. When making pesto, I recommend switching out Basil for lemon balm. I find that it’s a really interesting taste experience – and my guests are always pleasantly surprised. I like to use this aromatic herb as an additive in different desserts. You just have to try ice cream with lemon balm sauce.
Valuable Herb
Just as it adds a unique flavor to classic food, this plant is also used effectively to cure many different ailments. Ancient Greek scholars knew the value of lemon balm, calling it the elixir of life. They believed that this plant rejuvenates memory and dispels fatigue. Modern research published in scientific journals proves the ancient scholars’ opinion. This plant has a sedative or calming effect that reduces stress and improves mood, sleep, and mental performance.
Lemon balm grown in Natufia Smart Garden
At NATUFIA, I’ve been experimenting with lemon balm seedlings, and I am pleasantly surprised by how quickly they germinate. It took just three days for the seedlings to germinate in the NATUFIA machine. I highly recommend that this plant is part of your smart garden. If you are currently growing lemon balm, let us know how you use it in a comment here. Though, if you aren’t growing lemon balm, but want to know more about this herb — we’ll gladly answer your questions.
