Lemon balm mainly grows in Southern Europe, but can also be grown in our regions. The plant is easy to propagate and also survives by means of rhizomes. It can grow to about half a meter to a full meter. Lemon balm is not only suitable in its dried form for making tea, but is also very popular as a seasoning in numerous dishes. Lemon balm can also be used for medicinal purposes for insect bites and sores.
Loved in herb garden
The name lemon balm is derived from the Ancient Greek word Melisse. Melissa means honey bee. Lemon balm was already seen by the Greeks as a medicinal herb two thousand years ago. The plant was probably brought to Spain by the Arabs and by the Benedictine monks to our regions. Initially, only monks were engaged in growing the plant. Due to the strongly lemon-scented leaves, lemon balm is currently a popular plant for many herb gardens.
Growth habit of the lemon balm
The leaves of the lemon balm are egg-shaped with a serrated edge. The leaves are also hairy, veined and light green in color. They give off a lemony scent. The plant can reach a height of up to a meter and grows well in moist soils in full sun with shade in the afternoon. In small form, the lemon balm can also be grown indoors.
Lemon balm contains a lot of nectar
The plant mainly occurs in cultivated form, but in southern countries it can sometimes also be found in the wild, along roads and in hedges. The plant blooms with pale yellow or white flowers from July to August. It can be propagated by cuttings, sowing and splitting and possibly grown in pots. The egg-shaped leaves are serrated, hairy and veined and have a light green color. With insufficient water the leaves will turn yellowish, but growing in a too wet and shady place will not benefit the taste. Lemon balm attracts many bees because it contains a lot of nectar, which is the raw material of honey.
Lemon balm tea is soothing
Lemon balm in dried form is very suitable for making tea. Lemon balm tea has a calming and soothing effect. It helps the stomach and intestines to relax which also promotes sleep. It is also a seasoning for fish dishes, sauces and soups. And lemon balm is an effective remedy for mosquitoes. The smell disrupts the sense of smell of those mosquitoes so that they can no longer find prey.
Myth or real effect?
A myth is that, when used every morning, lemon balm makes a person younger and strengthens thinking ability. Also, the yearning nature will be brightened. The Arabs praised the beneficial effect on depression as early as the 10th century. Lemon balm would have made Llewelyn, Prince of Glamorgan, 108 years old in the thirteenth century, and Jhon Hussey of Sydenham turned 116 after 50 years of breakfast with lemon balm tea with honey. Every morning, Emperor Charles V drank Carmelite water containing lemon balm. He probably also thought that by drinking the Carmelite water daily, he could eradicate from himself the hereditary insanity that haunted his family.
Medicinal uses of lemon balm
Lemon balm also has medical uses such as laying fresh leaves on insect bites or ulcers. A paste can also be made from the leaves for the same purpose. Lemon balm tea can relieve bronchitis and headaches. Drinking tea can also reduce tensions and help to combat insomnia.