Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, known for its pleasant lemon aroma and calming properties, used medicinally and culinarily. It is used to relieve stress, improve sleep, aid digestion, and has cardio- and neuroprotective properties, thanks to its essential oils, vitamins, and minerals. The plant is easy to grow, prefers light, and grows in moderately moist soils. It is propagated by seed or division.
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| Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family. |
Plant Description
Appearance: Upright, branched stem, heart-shaped to ovate, serrated leaves, and small white or whitish-yellow flowers.
Aroma: Strong lemon scent, especially when the leaves are crushed.
Name: "Melissa" is Greek for "honey bee," as the plant attracts bees.
Beneficial Properties and Uses
Soothing: Reduces stress and anxiety, helps with insomnia (infusion before bed).
Digestion: Improves digestion, relieves cramps and bloating, and improves appetite.
Heart and Blood Vessels: Helps with palpitations and normalizes blood pressure.
Antiviral: Used externally for herpes.
Other: Diaphoretic, improves memory (in combination), helps with skin rashes and painful menstruation.
Cultivation
Conditions: Prefers light, warmth, moderately moist soil; does not tolerate waterlogging.
Planting: Can be sown by seeds (seedlings in February-March) or planted from parts of the bush or cuttings.
Care: Loosening the soil, watering, weeding, and maintaining the plantation for several years.
Culinary uses
Fresh leaves are added to salads and compotes.
Tea is made from the flowers.
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