BEE BALM and Lemon balm are two distinct herbs, alike in many ways. Both belong to Labiatae, the mint family. Both herbs are hardy perennials, easy to grow, attract bees, yet repel pests.
What is lemon bee balm used for?
It is also incorporated into wines and liqueurs, or added to cakes for a light, citrusy flavor. In fact, the entire above-ground plant is edible. Lemon bee balm makes a great addition to any pollinator garden, as its showy flowers and lemony scent attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
What is the common name for lemon balm?
Melissa officinalis, commonly called lemon balm, is a bushy herbaceous perennial of the mint family that is typically grown in herb gardens and border fronts for its lemon-scented leaves.
What is another name for bee balm?
Monarda
Monarda, called by the common names of bee balm, horsemint and bergamot, is part of the mint family.
Is all lemon balm edible?
The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after. Lemon balm has a long history of a wide array herbal medicine uses, in particular for soothing, calming and raising the spirit – just one smell of the crushed leaves does all of these for me.
Can you eat lemon bee balm?
The leaves may be used raw or cooked for flavoring in salads and for tea. Long-blooming, easy to grow, low care, Lemon Bee Balm is best suited to perennial borders, naturalized areas, prairies, and meadows.
Is Lemon bee balm invasive?
If you’re asking whether bee balm can be aggressive, then the answer is yes – especially in its ideal growing environment with moist soil in a full sun to part shade location. However, it is not technically deemed invasive everywhere.
What should you not take with lemon balm?
Lemon balm may potentially interact with the following medications: Sedatives and thyroid medications: Lemon balm may interact with sedatives and thyroid medications. If you are taking sedatives (for insomnia or anxiety) or medications to regulate your thyroid, ask your doctor before taking lemon balm.
Does lemon balm deter mosquitoes?
Lemon Balm
The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.
Can you drink lemon balm tea everyday?
While more studies are needed to determine how lemon balm tea may help individuals, it does appear that the tea is safe for most people to consume. A person should consult their doctor if they have an underlying condition, such as a thyroid issue, before regularly consuming lemon balm tea.
Are there different types of bee balm?
BeebalmsLower classifications
Do hummingbirds like bee balm?
Bee Balm (Monarda)
As its name suggests, this perennial plant attracts bees, but it’s also a hummingbird magnet.
Is all bee balm edible?
All above ground parts of the plant are edible. The leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. Bee balm has a minty taste and a flavor similar to oregano. It also has a citrusy aroma.
Can you eat fresh lemon balm leaves?
As a general rule of thumb, treat lemon balm as you would any other fresh herb. It works especially well in place of mint, offering bright, fragrant notes. Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor.
Does lemon balm make you sleepy?
Traditionally, lemon balm herbal preparations have been used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Its mild sedative effect is a well-known feature.
Does lemon balm lower blood pressure?
In this study in people with essential hypertension, supplementation with lemon balm extract led to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This Study Summary was published on January 4, 2022.
Does bee balm keep mosquitoes away?
Beloved for its ability to beckon bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, bee balm (Monarda) also earns rave reviews for its mosquito-repelling qualities.
What part of bee balm is used for tea?
Bee Balm Tea
The individual petals of bee balm flowers pull out easily and can be dried to make a beautiful bright red tea. In season, the petals can also be used fresh. Bee balm tea is a digestive aid that helps relieve nausea, upset stomach and gas.
Should bee balm be deadheaded?
Bee balm (Monarda) begin to bloom in July and will continue to bloom throughout late summer. To encourage bountiful clusters of flowers, you will want to deadhead the plant throughout its entire bloom time. As the flowers begin to wilt and fade, cut just above the next flower bud.
Does lemon balm come back every year?
Container Growing Lemon Balm
Winter growing: Cut back lemon balm in fall leaving just 2 inches of stem. The plant may freeze back to the ground in winter but will re-grow from underground roots and renew itself in spring.
What animal eats bee balm?
But birds don’t only enjoy Bee Balm in summer.
The nutlet attracts finches, sparrows, juncos, redpolls, among other species.