Lemon balm is a very calming and refreshing plant that can be enjoyed many ways. From tea to soap, there are so many ways to reap the benefits of this sweet citrusy herb.
![a patch of lemon balm in the sunshine](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Health-Benefits-and-Uses-of-Lemon-Balm-Herb-featured-image.png)
Lemon balm is a great herb if you are looking for something that will make you feel more calm and refreshed.
The sweet smell of this herb, laced with the flavor of bright citrus and a bit of mint, will make anything burst with flavor and scent.
If you are new to the world of herbs, lemon balm is a great herb to start out with. It is easy to grow and easier to use.
Lemon balm is an especially tasty herb if you are starting to make your own herbal teas.
Make this herb into lemon balm tea, or blend with other herbs to make a deliciously blended herbal tea.
Plant a small patch of this fast growing lemon balm and you will have plenty to use every year for all the soaps, salves and tinctures you want to make.
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![a lemon balm herb plant](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Health-Benefits-and-Uses-of-Lemon-Balm-Herb-6-1024x768.jpg)
What is lemon balm Herb
Lemon balm is a perennial herbaceous plant.
This is one of the best parts about lemon balm, it comes back every year! You can have a patch of this yummy, super healthy herb that will only get more established over the years.
The scientific name for lemon balm is Melissa Officinalis. This herb is in the mint (or more scientifically, Lamiaceae) family.
This plant typically grows up to 2 feet tall. Lemon balm leaves are similar in shape and size to that of mint leaves.
If left alone, lemon balm will grow small delicate flowers that range in colors of white, yellow or purple.
Lemon balm grows hardily in zones 4-9.
Be prepared for lemon balm to try and take over any place you plant it as it is very hardy!
Other names for lemon balm include bee balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, honey plant, Melissa, sweet balm, and sweet Mary.
The flavor of lemon balm is a mixture of light citrus notes with a hint of mint.
![a mug of hot lemon balm tea beside a spoonful of honey](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Health-Benefits-and-Uses-of-Lemon-Balm-Herb-10-768x1024.jpg)
Health benefits of lemon balm
Lemon balm is most widely used for its calming ability. If you struggle with insomnia, anxiety or sleep, try making yourself a cup of lemon balm tea.
Drink it before bedtime or when you are having a particularly stressful day.
Lemon balm may also help treat poor digestion including gas, bloating and colic.
This herb is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, helping soothe skin inflammation issues including acne, eczema, psoriasis, shingles, and chicken pox.
Lemon balm is also known to help soothe and heal cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV).
![lemon balm plants beside some flowers](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Health-Benefits-and-Uses-of-Lemon-Balm-Herb-2-1-1024x768.jpg)
What can you make with lemon balm herb?
There are so many ways you can use lemon balm! Here are just a few of my favorites.
- Tea
- Herbal Cough Syrup
- Bug Spray
- Salad
- Lip Balm
- Cold Sore Ointment
- Lemon Balm Cream
- Herbal Glycerite (alcohol free tincture)
- Soap
- Herbal Bath Salts
- Lemon Balm Vinegar
- Honey Lemon Herb Butter
- Infused Water
If you have large amounts of lemon balm and you aren’t sure what to do with it, dry it!
Learn how to dry the lemon balm and then use the dried leaves to make any of the above ideas later.
![a lemon balm herb plant](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Health-Benefits-and-Uses-of-Lemon-Balm-Herb-8-768x1024.jpg)
Other reasons you should grow lemon balm
Not only does lemon balm have many health benefits and uses, it also helps attract bees to your garden.
Lemon balm also helps deter bugs and pests from the garden. Mosquitoes especially do not like this herb.
Another reason (if you need another one!) is that lemon balm is a super easy herb to grow.
Basically you plant it and can forget about it. It will most likely come back year after year. Just be careful or it may take over your garden!
Who should not use lemon balm
Lemon balm is typically safe to use if you are a healthy individual.
However, if you are pregnant, nursing, have thyroid issues or are taking any medications, you should talk to your doctor before using lemon balm.
The information in this post does not institute medical advice.
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