Similar in appearance to its cousin, Peppermint, Lemon Balm is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its toothed heart-shaped leaves which emit a mild lemon scent when crushed. The botanical name for Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, speaks to its use as a natural bee attractant and pollinator; Melissa is derived from Greek, meaning ‘honeybee’, owing to the nectar which flows from its small and inconspicuous white flowers throughout summer.
Historical uses of the plant date back to ancient Greek and Roman times where it was steeped in wine and used as a topical dressing for wounds. Throughout history it has also been used as a key ingredient in Carmelite Water, which was an early form of alcohol-based extract produced by 14th Century Carmelite nuns of England, Italy, Cyprus, Sicily and southern France. Carmelite Water is still sold in German pharmacies today and is used to aid in digestion and to soothe the nerves.
Herbal enthusiasts defer to its charms to soothe frazzled nerves. Some modern users have affectionately dubbed it a “sunshine herb” for its capacity to lift the spirits as a nervine tonic.
Traditional uses include:
Attenuating nervous debility and stress
To reduce the severity of anxiety and irritability
