More from the Mint Family: Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis

 Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is a bright, gentle nervine in the mint family, which is found on almost every dacha. It exudes a powerful, fresh lemon scent which can repel mosquitos, and it’s blooms attract bees and other pollinators. A perennial herb, it is typically harvested for 3-5 years and spreads quickly (like mint) both vegetatively and through seed. Balm can be used fresh for culinary purposes, or dried and used in teas, cordials, tinctured, or used in compresses for skin conditions.

Dried Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis grows from 50 – 120 cm tall, and has bright, green leaves similar to mint. In it’s prime, it smells so strongly of  lemon-mint that it is impossible to pass by – it’s fresh leaves can be used in salads or thrown in water or iced tea to add unique flavor. It prefers well-drained soils and part to full sun, and must be watered regularly – it is not draught tolerant. It should be harvested before it flowers, or else it will taste bitter – once harvested, it should be dried in a shady place at a temperature of 35 C.  Once dried, it can be kept in a glass or wooden jar for approximately two years.

Lemon balm is best known as for it’s nervine, carminative, and antispasmodic properties. By calming the nerves, it helps not only relieve anxiety and stress (when taken regularly) but also ensures a restful sleep and is commonly used to treat insomnia. It can also help with tension headaches, dizziness, is said to improve memory. As the days get shorter and the nights colder, lemon balm can be helpful in preventing seasonal affective disorder.

Melissa officinalis can be a good friend not only to the head, but to the heart, the lungs, and the stomach as well. It is said to help with shortness of breath, bronchitis, high blood pressure, and heart pain. In addition, it helps with nausea, increases appetite, and alleviates bloating, cramping, and painful menstruations. This winter, I'll have just enough lemon balm for a cup of after-dinner tea before bed with some wild forest honey drizzled in. As the autumn moon drifts early into the sky, I'll have a drop of sunshine leading me blissfully into dreams of spring.