A nervine traditionally used for nervous tension and mild restlessness, and a carminative for digestive discomfort tied to tension, gas, and bloating. Aromatic and gently relaxing.
Medicinal plant
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
For nervous tension and a tense stomach.
Uses
Digestion — Herbs traditionally used around digestion, appetite, stomach comfort, or after-meal preparations. Sleep — Herbs commonly used in relaxing or evening preparations.
Properties
Nervine — Supports, nourishes, or calms the nervous system
Carminative — Helps relieve gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort
Antispasmodic — Helps relax cramps, spasms, or tight muscles
Energetics
Cooling — Calms heat, irritation, or excess activity. Relaxing — Eases tension, constriction, or spasm. Calming — Settles excessive nervous or functional activity.
Similar herbs: Catnip, Chamomile, Anise Hyssop
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Hardy perennial.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4–9.
How to start
Seed or nursery plant. Choose Melissa officinalis.
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Starting from seed
Sow shallowly; light helps germination.
Harvesting
Cut leaves repeatedly; for drying, harvest before or just as flowering begins.
Grow in zone
Start indoors — Sow under cover in trays or pots, before it is warm enough to sow outsideStart indoors: MarchStart indoors: AprilDirect sow — Sow straight into the ground where the plant will growDirect sow: MayDirect sow: JunePlant out — Move a started plant into its final spot outdoorsPlant out: MayPlant out: JuneHarvest leaves — Gather leaves in these monthsHarvest leaves: JuneHarvest leaves: JulyHarvest leaves: AugustHarvest leaves: September
Cut before seed set if you want to limit spreading.
Gardening tools
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Steep lemon balm in hot water to draw out its flavour and water-soluble properties. Fresh lemon balm is especially good.
Parts used
Leaf Fresh or driedGather
- a generous handful fresh, or 1–2 tsp driedleaves
- to coverboiling water
Harvest leaves before or just as flowering begins. Use fresh, or dry in a single layer out of direct sun until crisp.
Prepare
- If fresh, bruise the leaves lightly
- Put them in a mug or covered pot
- Add boiling water
- Cover and steep 10–15 minutes
- Strain
Apothecary supplies
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Soak lemon balm in alcohol for several weeks to make a concentrated, shelf-stable extract. Useful because dried lemon balm loses its aroma comparatively quickly.
Parts used
LeafGather
- 1:2fresh leaves/tops by weight to menstruum by volumea common starting ratio
Prepare
- Chop freshly harvested leaves and tops
- Combine with menstruum at the ratio above
- Macerate about 4 weeks
- Strain
Apothecary supplies
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Use lemon balm as food, seasoning, garnish, or an ingredient in everyday cooking.
Parts used
LeafPrepare
Use fresh in pesto, fruit, salads, cold drinks, syrups, or desserts.