herb, Melissa officinalis
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External Websites
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - Melissa officinalis
- National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Melissa officinalis: Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Derived Release Systems—A Review
- Healthline - Ten Benefits of Lemon Balm and How to Use It
- Utah State University - Yard and Garden Extension - How to Grow Lemon Balm in Your Garden
- WebMD - Health Benefits of Lemon Balm
- MedicineNet - Lemon Balm
- Go Botany - Lemon Balm
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While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
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Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - Melissa officinalis
- National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Melissa officinalis: Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Derived Release Systems—A Review
- Healthline - Ten Benefits of Lemon Balm and How to Use It
- Utah State University - Yard and Garden Extension - How to Grow Lemon Balm in Your Garden
- WebMD - Health Benefits of Lemon Balm
- MedicineNet - Lemon Balm
- Go Botany - Lemon Balm
Also known as: Melissa officinalis, balm, balm gentle
Written by
Melissa Petruzzello
Fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated: •Article History
lemon balm
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- Also called:
- balm gentle
- Related Topics:
- lemon
- balm
- herb
- On the Web:
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - Melissa officinalis (Apr. 29, 2024)
See all related content →
lemon balm, (Melissa officinalis), aromaticherbof themint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its lemon-scentedfragrant leaves. Lemon balm is native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia and has naturalized in parts of North America and elsewhere. It iswidely cultivatedin temperate climates as a culinary and medicinal herb and as a garden ornamental.
Physical description
Lemon balm is a bushy herbaceous perennial that grows to about 0.6 metre (2 feet) tall. The wrinkled toothed leaves are roughly heart-shaped or oval and are borne in pairs along the square stems. The leaves can be smooth or somewhat hairy. The tiny white to pale yellow or pale purple flowers are inconspicuous and appear in whorled clusters in the axils of the leaves; they are a good nectar source for honeybees and other insect pollinators.
Britannica QuizWhat’s on the Menu? Vocabulary QuizIts essential oil contains geranial and neral, both of which are isomers of lemon-scented citral, as well as geraniol, citronellal, and various other chemicals.
Uses
Lemon balm leaves are used fresh or dried to season and flavour foods such as salads, soups, sauces, and stuffings and as a flavouring in candies, liqueurs, wine, and fruit drinks. It is common in herbal teas and has long been used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments and as a digestive aid and sleep aid. The essential oil is popular in aromatherapy and is used as a scent in perfumery and cosmetics.
Lemon balm is easy to grow and is cultivated as an attractive border plant or ground cover. The flowers are frequently grown by beekeepers to support their hives.
Melissa Petruzzello
