Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses.
What does lemon balm do to cats?
Lemon balm (Melissa officianlis)
This herb offers similar activities in the gut, and will induce a subtle calming effect. Science suggests lemon balm may also help slow an overactive thyroid — a problem suffered by many cats. In theory, the herb inhibits thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) uptake at TSH receptors.
Are lemon balm poisonous to cats?
Lemon balm is safe for cats and has not shown any negative effect on such animals if ingested if not temporary sleepiness. However, normally cats are repelled by this herb due to its lemony smell, making it a great idea in border to avoid cats digging or disturbing any plant bed.
Is Lemon Mint safe for dogs?
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets.
Is lemon balm and catnip the same?
They are easy to tell apart by their aroma, differences in pubescence, leaf shape, bloom arrangement, and their effect on most cats. Lemon balm has a lemony aroma, and prefers moister habitats whereas catnip is found in drier habitats.
Is lemon balm same as peppermint?
In terms of taste, mint has a menthol flavor while lemon balm has an additional lemony taste.
Is lavender poisonous to cats?
Lavender is mildly toxic to cats, which means it’s not typically fatal. “The toxic compounds found in the pretty purple-flowered plant are called linalool and linalyl acetate, which cats’ livers are unable to process,” Dr. Conrad told The Dodo.
Is lemon balm safe around dogs?
Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.
What herbs are unsafe for cats?
Garlic and chives are by and large the most dangerous herbs for your cat. In fact, all members of the allium family—including onions, leeks, scallions, and shallots—are toxic to felines. Even a small ingestion of these can cause damage to your cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia or even death.
How much lemon balm can I give my dog?
Use Fresh Lemon Balm
Finely mince or chop lemon balm leaves and add them to your dog’s food at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 15 pounds of body weight. This is approximately 1 tablespoon for a dog weighing 45 to 50 pounds. Fresh minced lemon balm can also be used as a poultice or wound dressing.
What herbs are harmful to dogs?
Herbs, Vegetables, and other Edible Plants That Are Dangerous for Dogs
- Chamomile. Scientific name: Anthemis nobilis.
- Chives. Scientific name: Allium schoenoprasum.
- Garlic. Scientific name: Allium sativum.
- Hops. Scientific name: Humulus Lupulus.
- Leeks. Scientific name: Allium ampeloprasum.
- Marijuana.
- Onions and Shallots.
- Rhubarb.
Is lavender toxic to dogs?
First of all, the ASPCA considers lavender to be toxic to dogs (as well as cats and horses). If ingested, the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and inappetence. These symptoms can be traced to a single dangerous component known as linalool.
Is rosemary toxic to dogs?
Fresh rosemary is a popular culinary herb that is safe for dogs to consume in small quantities. Adding rosemary to your dog’s diet can help support their digestive tract.
Can lemon balm be grown indoors?
Lemon Balm Care. A hardy perennial shrub that is tolerant to USDA zones 3 through 7, lemon balm can be grown year-round indoors, as well as outdoors in warmer climates.
What does lemon balm smell like?
The green leaves of lemon balm have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint, with leaves that look like oversized mint — no surprise, since lemon balm is part of the mint family.
What can I do with fresh lemon balm?
12+ Things to Do With Lemon Balm:
- Make a sleepy time herbal syrup:
- Make a lemon balm bug spray:
- Chop fresh leaves and sprinkle on salads or in baked goods:
- Make a lip balm for cold sores:
- Make a glycerite:
- Make a relaxing, tummy soothing tea:
- Make lemon balm soap:
- Make a simple remedy for bug bites & acne:
Is lemon balm invasive?
Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and become very invasive.
Is lemon balm same as lemongrass?
Lemon balm has a lighter flavor than lemon grass, but it gives off a very zesty scent that makes it perfect for aromatic teas. It won’t alter the flavor of your tea as much, but it will add just the slightest lemony tang that gives you the hint of acid you want.
What does lemon balm taste like?
As part of the mint plant family, lemon balm leaves have a lemony scent and taste pleasantly mild, with subtle citrus notes.
Is mint toxic to cats?
Most mint plants contain essential oils which can cause negative responses if consumed in high quantities. Both catnip and catmint are types of mint that are safe to cats. Garden mint may cause gastrointestinal upset if too much is eaten.
Is Rosemary toxic to cats?
Rosemary is not toxic to cats, and if taken in small amount won’t cause any trouble. Rosemary is excluded from the list of poisonous plants for cats and dogs by American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).