Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - Herbal Monograph
At a Glance
| Latin name | Melissa officinalis |
| Family | Lamiaceae (mint family) |
| Parts used | Leaves and flowering tops |
| Taste & scent | Bright, lemony and gently sour, with a soft minty finish |
| Traditionally used as | A calming nervine, carminative (digestive) and uplifting tea herb |
| In the garden | Hardy perennial for sun or light shade; much loved by bees |
| Harvest | Leaves just before flowering, from late spring to late summer |
The bee’s herb: its name, Melissa, is the Greek word for honeybee.
Grow your own lemon balm
Fragrant lemon balm plants from The Healing Herb Garden, ready to plant out and pick for tea all summer.
Shop Lemon BalmSleep & Calm Seed KitCommon Name(s):
- Lemon Balm
- Balm
- Melissa
- Sweet Balm
- Bee Balm (due to its appeal to bees)
Botanical Family:
- Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Botanical Description:
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb native to Europe, Western Asia, and the Mediterranean region, though it is now cultivated worldwide. It grows to a height of 30–90 cm (1–3 feet) and has square stems, as is typical of plants in the mint family. The leaves are oval, serrated, and bright green, with a distinctive lemon-scented aroma when crushed. In late spring to summer, lemon balm produces small, white or pale yellow flowers in clusters, which are highly attractive to bees.
Active Constituents:
- Essential Oils: Particularly citral and geranial, which give the plant its lemon-scented aroma and contribute to its calming, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.
- Flavonoids: Such as luteolin and rosmarinic acid, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.
- Triterpenes: Including ursolic acid, which has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.
- Phenolic Acids: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Tannins: Contribute to the herb's mild astringent effects.
Medicinal Part:
- Aerial Parts (leaves, flowers, and stems)
Therapeutic Uses:
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Nervine & Relaxant: Lemon balm is widely recognized for its soothing effects on the nervous system. Effective for anxiety, nervous tension, stress, and as a sleep aid. Also shows mild cognitive-enhancing properties.
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Digestive Support: Soothes digestive complaints including indigestion, bloating, nausea, and IBS. Antispasmodic properties relieve stomach cramps and gas.
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Antiviral & Immune Support: Demonstrated antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV). Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
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Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory: Flavonoids and phenolic acids protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation.
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Thyroid Health: May have a mild inhibitory effect on thyroid function — beneficial in hyperthyroidism but avoid in hypothyroidism.
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Topical Uses: Used in ointments or creams to soothe minor wounds, insect bites, burns, and cold sores.
Traditional and Historical Uses:
Lemon balm has been used since antiquity by the ancient Greeks and Romans for its calming, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties. Dioscorides recommended it for soothing the nervous system and improving sleep.
Folklore & Legend
Lemon balm has always belonged to the bees. Its name comes from the Greek for honeybee, and the Roman writer Pliny noted that bees are delighted by it above all other plants. For centuries beekeepers rubbed the inside of empty hives with fresh balm to tempt a new swarm to settle, and planted it beside their skeps so the bees would never stray far from home.
In the Renaissance it gained a reputation as a herb of cheer and long life. The Swiss physician Paracelsus prized it highly, and the diarist John Evelyn praised balm for comforting the heart and sharpening the memory. From 1611 the Carmelite nuns of Paris distilled their famous Eau de Carmes, or Carmelite Water, with lemon balm as its chief ingredient, and it was carried as a reviving cordial by travellers and courtiers alike.
In English cottage gardens balm grew by the back door, where a handful could be gathered for a cooling summer cup, rubbed on furniture for its fresh scent, or strewn on floors to sweeten the air.
Preparation and Dosage:
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Infusion (Tea): Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5–10 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups daily.
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Tincture: 1–2 ml of a 1:5 tincture, 2–3 times daily.
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Capsules/Tablets: 300–600 mg of dried extract, 1–2 capsules 1–3 times daily.
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Topical Application: Apply lemon balm extract or cream directly to affected areas for cold sores or skin irritation.
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Essential Oil: Used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and improve sleep.
In Our Garden: Growing Notes
- Position: Sun or partial shade in any reasonable, well-drained soil. It is happy in a pot by the kitchen door.
- Keep it fresh: Cut the whole plant back by half after its first flush of flowers. You will get a second crop of tender, aromatic leaves, and fewer self-sown seedlings.
- Harvest: Pick on a dry morning, once the dew has gone, just before the plant flowers, when the scent is strongest. Dry quickly in the shade, as the lemon aroma fades with heat and time.
- For wildlife: Leave a few stems to flower for the bees.
Recipes to Try
These recipes are for enjoyment and traditional interest, not to treat any condition. Please read the cautions below, and check with a pharmacist or GP if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or preparing for children.
Garden Calm Tea Blend
A gentle, sunny cup for the end of the day, made from three herbs that grow happily side by side.
You will need
- 2 parts dried lemon balm leaf
- 1 part dried chamomile flowers
- 1 part dried spearmint leaf
Method
- Mix the dried herbs and store in a labelled, airtight jar away from light.
- Use 1–2 teaspoons of the blend per mug. Pour over freshly boiled water and cover while it steeps for 5–10 minutes, to keep the aromatic oils in the cup.
- Strain and sweeten with a little honey if you like.
Lemon Balm & Strawberry Summer Cooler
A jug for a hot afternoon, best made with leaves picked the same day.
You will need
- A large handful of fresh lemon balm sprigs
- 6–8 ripe strawberries, halved
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 litre cold water or sparkling water
Method
- Bruise the lemon balm lightly between your hands to release its scent, and place it in a jug with the strawberries and lemon.
- Stir the honey into a splash of warm water until dissolved, then add it to the jug.
- Top up with cold water and chill for at least an hour. Add sparkling water just before serving, if using.
Lemon Balm Herb Sugar
A simple way to keep summer’s scent for baking: sprinkle it over shortbread or fruit, or use it in sponges.
You will need
- A good handful of fresh lemon balm leaves
- 200 g caster sugar
Method
- Make sure the leaves are completely dry. Blitz them with the sugar in a food processor until fragrant and pale green.
- Spread it out on a tray for an hour to dry, then store it in a sealed jar and use within a few weeks.
Contraindications and Cautions:
- Pregnancy & Lactation: Generally considered safe in moderation. Consult a healthcare provider.
- Thyroid Conditions: Use with caution if you have hyperthyroidism or are on thyroid medication.
- Sedative Effects: May enhance the effects of sedative medications. Use caution with benzodiazepines, sleep aids, or alcohol.
- Allergic Reactions: Rare. Discontinue if skin irritation or allergic symptoms occur.
References:
- Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press.
- Tyler, V. E. (2000). The Honest Herbal. Haworth Press.
- Duke, J. A. (2002). Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (2nd ed.). CRC Press.
Grow Your Own Lemon Balm
Ready to bring this calming herb into your garden? Our Lemon Balm Plug Plants are grown in the UK and supplied in 9cm pots or larger.