Lemon Balm

Also known as Melissa, Balm mint, Bee Balm, Blue Balm, Cure All, Dropsy plant, Garden and Sweet Balm.

From the family Lamiaceae.

The Roman scholar Pliny and the Greek physician Dioscorides both used lemon balm as a medicinal herb. The name Melissa comes from the Greek word for honeybee and their belief was if you put sprigs of balm in an empty hive it would attract a swarm, because the odour of the essential oil is similar to that of a pheromone produced by bees. It has been acclaimed for promoting long life and strenghtening the brain. In the Middle Ages it was used to prevent baldness, as a lucky love charm and to cure mad dog bites and toothache. If planted by the front door it is said to drive away evil spirits.

Pick leaves anytime, but handle gently to avoid bruising. For drying, pick just before the flowers begin to open when the flavour is best. Drying or storing leaves reduces the aroma and therapeutic value.

Use in teas, beers and wines, with fish, mushrooms and soft cheeses. Fresh leaves are used in salads, eggs, marinades for vegetables, chicken salads, poultry stuffings and pork. Add to fruit salads, jellies, custards and fruit drinks. Add leaves to stewing fruits to reduce the tartness.

Use the dried leaves in pot pourris and pillows. Use in a facial steam to cleanse the skin or immerse in a bath to add a refreshing, lemony scent to the water. Add the juice to furniture polish.