Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) releases a refreshing lemony scent similar to citronella when disturbed, leading many to refer to it as citronella lemon balm.
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.
Does lemon balm have citronella?
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) contains more citronella—as much as 400 times more—than the Mosquito Plant. And it turns out both lemon thyme and lemon balm are less expensive and easier to grow.
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.
Does lemon balm have a scent?
Lemon balm has a distinctive lemon aroma and contains flavonoids such as rosemarinic acid, ferulic acid, apigenin, and isoquercitrin. Lemon balm can be taken internally as a tea, tincture or extract. It can be juiced, and the uplifting fragrance easily expressed from the fresh leaf.
How do you use lemon balm for mosquito repellent?
For a quick mosquito repellent, simply crush a handful of lemon balm leaves in your hand and rub them on your exposed skin. Grow the plants near your backdoor or in your garden, where the leaves will be handy when you need them.
Does lemon balm deter mosquitos?
Lemon balm contains a compound called citronellal, which has an effect similar to the mosquito repellent citronella. The lemony scent of lemon balm is also one that mosquitoes don’t love, which makes it a perfect addition to your mosquito-repellent plant collection.
Does lemon balm repel flies?
Lemon balm: Lemon balm is really easy to grow and makes a nice companion plant in a mixed pot. Plant it in a border around your patio, to repel biting flies.
What does lemon balm keep away?
This later quality makes lemon balm desirable for use in aromatherapy and perfumery, as well as in some folk medicinal teas. Some anecdotal sources also hail lemon balm as a viable option for deterring mosquitos, both in proximity to its plat-based form and in proximity to those wearing the plant’s oil upon their skin.
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.
What does dried lemon balm smell like?
A: It has a sweet grassy smell. Lemon doesn’t come to mind, but it’s perfect for tea.
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.
What do you use lemon balm for?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).
What does lemon balm oil smell like?
As for the scent, the oil has a lovely lemony smell, sometimes described as grassy. It is enjoyed for its sweet and calming aroma. It is in the Lamiaceae (mint) family.
Is lemon balm aromatic?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) belongs to the family Labiatae (Mint family) is an aromatic and fairly hardy perennial sub-shrub. It is a cross-pollinating species and has complete perfect flowers with very short-stalked epidermal glands.
Is lemon balm warming or cooling?
Lemon Balm is a classic mildly cooling sour. Drying. It relaxing effect is beneficial for Vata. Its cooling effect is beneficial for Pitta.
Is lemon balm invasive?
Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and become very invasive.
What plant is a natural mosquito repellent?
Citronella Grass
Citronella Grass (Lemon Grass)
Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Does lemon balm attract bees?
Lemon balm is a great plant to use as a border to a garden because not only will it emit its fragrant lemony odor when brushed, but it will attract bees into the garden.
What insects does lemon balm repel?
Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats. Commonly grown as ornamental border plants, marigolds are hardy annual plants which have a distinctive smell which mosquitoes, and some other insects, find particularly offensive.
Does lemon balm repel spiders?
Lemon Balm
It has a strong smell, one you’ll enjoy, but two particular pests don’t like it: spiders and fruit flies. This can create an absence of not only spiders but one of their prey, removing an incentive for them being indoors anyways. It’s easy to grow.