Identification – 4/5 – Lemon balm is a member of the mint (lamiaceae) family, so easily identified by its square stems (twirl them round in your fingers to feel this), oppositely paired leaves, and flowers that hug the stem. As no members of the mint family are toxic, you are on safe ground here.
What does lemon balm plant look like?
Like other mint family members, lemon balm has scalloped, oval- to heart-shaped leaves that grow opposite one another on square (four-sided) stems. Its leaves are bright green on top and whitish below.
Is lemon balm and bee balm the same plant?
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. Both make excellent tea or tisanes.
Is lemon balm and Melissa the same plant?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. The herb is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, but it’s grown around the world.
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.
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 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:
Are cats attracted to lemon balm?
Lemon balm has a citrus aroma. As discussed in many sources, this strongly deters cats rather than attracts them as catnip does.
How many types of lemon balm are there?
two subspecies
Lemon balm is divided into two subspecies: the common lemon balm (Melisssa officinalis) and the common cultivated lemon balm (M. officinalis ssp. altissima).
What Colour flowers does lemon balm have?
The white tiny flowers are fairly inconspicuous. The inconspicuous white flowers, sometimes with a yellowish or pinkish tinge, bloom in the leaf axils throughout the summer and are attractive to bees. Because lemon balm is rich in nectar, it is sometimes planted to feed bees.
Does lemon balm repel pests?
Lemon Balm
Crush the fresh leaves and rub them directly on the skin, especially around ankles, arms, and other areas most exposed and vulnerable to bug bites. 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 eat lemon balm raw?
You can certainly enjoy lemon balm fresh on salads, or in your favorite recipes, too. Be brave! Experiment with its bright flavor.
Do you cut back lemon balm in fall?
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.
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.
Does lemon balm look like catnip?
These two non-native aromatic perennials, both commonly grown in gardens, are frequently confused visually due to similar leaf shape and serrations and growth habit. They are easy to tell apart by their aroma, differences in pubescence, leaf shape, bloom arrangement, and their effect on most cats.
Is lemon balm invasive?
Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and become very invasive.
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 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.
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.
Can you use the flowers of lemon balm?
The flowers are also edible and can be candied or used to garnish fruit salads, beverages, or desserts. My favorite way to use lemon balm is in iced tea. I absolutely love it mixed with fresh raspberry leaf and nettle. It is also delicious blended with black or green tea.