Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) belongs to the family Labiatae (Mint family) is an aromatic and fairly hardy perennial sub-shrub.
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.
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 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.
Does lemon balm have terpenes?
It’s all in the terps. While over 100 chemicals have been identified in Lemon Balm, the primary terpenoids (terpenes) are linalool, geraniol, neral, geranial, citronellal, and β-caryophyllene-oxide (Science Direct).
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.
Does lemon balm smell like citronella?
Lemon balm is an edible herb in the mint family. It smells like citronella. Lemon Balm: The leaves have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint. The aroma repels mosquitoes.
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 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.
Can you eat lemon balm?
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.
Why is lemon balm essential oil so expensive?
Lemon balm produces an essential oil that is one of the most expensive to buy; production costs are high because yields are low.
Is lemon balm an essential oil?
Organic lemon balm essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering plant Melissa officinalis. Also known as Melissa, lemon balm oil is a middle note with a fresh and green citrus aroma.
Is lemon balm a stimulant?
Lemon balm suggested uses include for abdominal distension, flatulence, Graves’ disease, herpes labialis (topical), insomnia, as an antispasmodic, appetite stimulant, and digestive aid. Lemon balm is possibly effective for the listed uses.
Does lemon balm tea increase GABA?
Lemon balm significantly reduces excitatory transmission in the brain by inhibiting an enzyme called GABA-T that breaks down GABA, thus increasing the amount of GABA available in the brain.
Is lemon balm a nightshade?
Also in Herb Profiles
It is part of the nightshade family, so if you have allergies you may want to avoid this herb.
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 does lemon balm smell and taste like?
When the leaves of lemon bee balm are rubbed or crushed, they emit a distinctive citrusy or lemony aroma and work well when minced and added to salads and fruit jellies. The leaves also make a flavorful citrusy tea and may be used either fresh or dried.
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 repel ants?
Lemon Balm
This member of the mint family emits a clean lemon scent. Mosquitoes don’t like it. Neither do flies and ants.
Is lemon balm invasive?
Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and become very invasive.
Does lemon balm repel midges?
Its intense fragrance will ward off irritating gnats and midges. It’s best to keep an entire rosemary plant in your kitchen – close at hand for cooking but also useful for keeping insects out of your house. What makes lemon balm so effective as an insect repellent is its high levels of a compound called citronellal.