Lemon Balm Monograph

Lemon Balm 

Melissa officinalis

Quick Reference

Common names: lemon balm, balm, sweet balm
Latin name: Melissa officinalis
Plant family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Parts used: leaves, flowering tops
Primary actions: nervine, antiviral, carminative, antispasmodic, mild sedative
Best preparations: infusion (tea), tincture, glycerite, infused oil, fresh herb
Safety rating: very safe for most people
Grown at Wild Clover Farm: yes — cultivated and spreading

Botanical Description and Identification

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a gentle, lemon-scented perennial herb long valued for its calming effects on the nervous system and its support for digestion, mood, and viral resistance. It has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years and remains one of the most approachable herbs for home use.

Plant Characteristics

Leaves:
Leaves are soft, ovate, and toothed, measuring 2 to 3 inches long. They are bright to medium green, slightly fuzzy, and strongly aromatic when crushed, releasing a distinct lemon scent.

Flowers:
Small, pale white to light yellow flowers appear in loose whorls along the upper stems in mid- to late summer. Flowers are subtle but highly attractive to bees, giving rise to the genus name Melissa, meaning “honeybee.”

Stems:
Stems are square, branching, and typical of the mint family. Plants form bushy clumps when regularly harvested.

Growth habit:
Lemon balm is a hardy perennial that grows 18 to 36 inches tall and spreads readily by seed and underground runners.

Identification Notes

Lemon balm may be confused with other mints, but it is easily identified by:

• its strong lemon aroma
• heart-shaped, softly textured leaves
• pale flowers rather than purple or pink

Always confirm identification by scent before harvesting.

Native Range and Habitat

Lemon balm is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It has been widely cultivated and naturalized throughout Europe, North America, and other temperate regions.

It grows best in gardens, forest edges, hedgerows, and partially shaded areas with moderate moisture. Lemon balm adapts well to cultivation and often persists once planted.

Growing Lemon Balm

Climate and Growing Conditions

Lemon balm thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9 and is easy to grow in a wide range of conditions.

Sunlight:
Full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.

Soil:
Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil but tolerates a wide range of soil types.

Water:
Moderate moisture is ideal. Plants are drought tolerant once established but grow best with regular watering.

Temperature:
Cold hardy and resilient. New growth emerges early in spring.

Propagation

From seed:
Seeds may be sown indoors or directly outdoors in spring. Germination occurs in 7 to 14 days. Seed-grown plants may vary slightly in vigor.

By division:
Division is the most reliable propagation method. Established plants may be divided in spring or fall and replanted 12 to 18 inches apart.

From cuttings:
Softwood cuttings root readily in water or moist soil.

Care and Maintenance

• Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth
• Cut plants back by one-half after flowering to promote fresh leaves
• Mulch lightly to retain moisture
• Contain spreading if necessary

Lemon balm has few pest issues and is generally resistant to deer and rabbits.

Harvesting Lemon Balm

What to Harvest and When

Leaves and flowering tops are harvested for medicinal use.

Harvest just before flowering or at early bloom for the highest essential oil content. Multiple harvests are possible throughout the growing season.

The best time to harvest is midmorning, after dew has dried and before midday heat.

Harvesting Method

• Cut stems several inches above the ground
• Harvest no more than one-half of the plant at a time
• Use fresh immediately or dry promptly

Regular harvesting improves plant quality and prevents excessive spreading.

Drying and Storage

Lemon balm is best used fresh but may also be dried.

Drying:
Dry quickly in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space or dehydrator set to low temperature, approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leaves lose aroma easily if dried too slowly.

Storage:
Store dried leaves in airtight containers away from light and heat. Shelf life is approximately one year.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Lemon balm is best known as a calming and uplifting herb for the nervous system.

Primary Uses

• Reduces anxiety and nervous tension
• Supports restful sleep
• Lifts mood and eases melancholy
• Relieves digestive discomfort, gas, and cramping
• Supports cognitive function and focus
• Provides antiviral support, particularly for herpes simplex virus

Lemon balm has been traditionally used for stress, grief, heartache, digestive upset, and viral infections.

Energetics and Traditional Classification

• Temperature: cool
• Moisture: dry
• Taste: lemony, slightly bitter
• Tissue affinities: nervous system, heart, digestive tract
• Energetic indications: anxiety, heat, tension, nervous agitation, viral states

Lemon balm is traditionally classified as a nervine relaxant and gentle antiviral, particularly suited for conditions involving nervous tension with underlying heat. It has a long history of use for uplifting the mood while calming the nervous system.

Primary Herbal Actions

• Nervine: calms anxiety and nervous tension
• Antiviral: particularly indicated for viral infections such as herpes
• Antidepressant (mild): supports mood and emotional balance
• Carminative: eases digestive discomfort
• Diaphoretic (mild): supports gentle fever response

Preparation Methods

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea is the most common preparation.

Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Tea may be consumed daily and is suitable for long-term use.

Lemon Balm Tincture or Glycerite

Tinctures and glycerites are used for nervous system support, stress, and antiviral applications. Glycerites are especially suitable for children and those avoiding alcohol.

Fresh Herb Use

Fresh leaves may be added to salads, beverages, syrups, and desserts. Flavor is mild, lemony, and refreshing.

Topical Use

Infused oil or salve may be applied to the skin for viral outbreaks, minor wounds, and nerve pain.

Safety and Contraindications

Lemon balm is considered extremely safe.

• Safe for children and adults
• Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding in typical amounts
• Suitable for long-term use

Individuals with hypothyroidism should use lemon balm in moderation, as high doses may interfere with thyroid hormone activity.

Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur.

Wild Clover Farm Notes

At Wild Clover Farm, lemon balm is grown in dedicated herb beds and partially shaded areas to maintain leaf quality. Plants are harvested multiple times per season and dried promptly for teas and tinctures.

Its gentle nature, pleasant flavor, and wide usefulness make lemon balm a core herb in daily wellness blends and family remedies.

Oklahoma/Zone 7 Growing Notes

• Thrives in Oklahoma; heat-tolerant, cold-hardy, vigorous
• Can become invasive in garden beds; contains well in containers
• Self-sows AND spreads by roots; a double threat for aggressive spreading
• Best flavor before flowering (May-June); cut back hard after flowering for fresh fall growth
• Plant lemon balm in a sunken pot (5-gallon bucket with bottom cut out) to contain roots while allowing good      drainage; this prevents garden takeover  

Foraging:

• Primarily garden-grown; occasionally naturalized
• Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor and potency
• Identify by strong lemon scent when crushed
• Harvest frequently to encourage fresh growth
• Avoid confused species lacking citrus aroma

Common Questions

Is lemon balm safe for daily use?
Yes. It is gentle and appropriate for long-term use.

Does lemon balm affect the thyroid?
Use cautiously with hypothyroid conditions if used in large or prolonged doses.

References and Further Reading

• Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism
• Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal
• Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult a qualified health care provider before using herbal products for medical conditions or while taking medications.