Most mints look similar and they all have square stems, which makes them pretty easy to identify, and if it smells like lemons then it’s most likely lemon balm. It’s such an awesome plant that you definitely will want to start growing and foraging for lemon balm as soon as you can.
How can you tell if its lemon balm?
The leaves are very deeply wrinkled and range from dark green to yellowish green in color, depending on the soil and climate. If you rub the leaves, your fingers will smell tart and sweet, like lemons. The leaves are similar in shape to mint leaves, and come from the same plant family.
What does wild lemon balm look like?
The leaves are similar in shape to mint leaves. They are light green in color, crinkled, slightly hairy, strongly toothed on the margins, more or less egg shaped and about 1” to 3” in length. As is typical of herbaceous mints, lemon balm leaves are arranged in opposing pairs on square stems.
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 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.
What is the difference between lemon grass and lemon balm?
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 plant looks like lemon balm?
Lemon verbena (Aloysia ciriodora or A. Triphylla) and lemon balm (melissa officinalis) often confuse new gardeners. Although the herbs are similar in fragrance and flavor, they differ in appearance and hardiness.
Can you chew on lemon balm leaves?
A leaf can be chewed to freshen the breath or crushed and placed on a bug bite to help ease the itch. Our favorite use is to turn it into a lip balm for cold sores! (See #3 below.) If you’ve ever planted lemon balm, you know how one tiny plant can quickly take over a large portion of your garden!
What is another name for lemon balm?
Lemon balm is available under the following different brand and other names: balm, bee balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, honey plant, Melissa, Melissa folium, Melissa officinalis, sweet balm, and sweet Mary.
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.
What would you use lemon balm for?
10 Benefits of Lemon Balm and How to Use It
- Stress.
- Anxiety.
- Cognitive function.
- Insomnia.
- Cold sores.
- Indigestion.
- Nausea.
- Menstrual cramps.
Can I smoke lemon balm?
If you were just looking to know if lemon balm is smokable, the simple answer is yes, but if you were looking at a therapeutic herb then you should know by now that no study suggests that lemon balm can provide any benefit to your body or mind when smoked.
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.
Is lemon balm toxic to 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.
Why do cats love lemon balm?
3. 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.
What are the side effects of drinking lemon balm tea?
When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.
Should you let lemon balm flower?
Removing the flowers of the plant as soon as they appear will make your lemon balm far less invasive.
Does lemon balm help you sleep?
Lemon balm has been studied in patients suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. In a pilot trial, in which it was administered via standardized extracts, lemon balm was shown to reduce anxiety (a primary barrier to quality sleep) by 18% and lower insomnia by 42%.
Does lemon balm taste like lemon?
What Does Lemon Balm Taste Like? This aromatic member of the mint family has a bright, citrusy taste that brings together the acidity of lemon with subtle hints of mint. Both the stems and fresh leaves of lemon balm have a subtly sweet flavor and can be used in food preparation and medicine.
Are citronella and lemon balm the same?
Lemon Balm is a herb that is praised by many for its mosquito and other insect repelling abilities! Some refer to this plant as Citronella Balm.
Can I use lemongrass instead of lemon balm?
It will help preserve as much of their subtle lemongrass-like flavor as possible. You can easily find lemon balm in the herb sections of grocery stores. It’s also well-known for its health benefits, making it a top-tier substitute for the original ingredient. 1 lemongrass stalk = 4 lemon balm leaves.