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Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Description:

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), not to be confused with bee balm (which is genus Monarda), is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It grows to 70–150 cm tall. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint. During summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear. These attract bees, hence the genus name Melissa (Greek for 'honey bee'). Lemon balm is often used as a flavouring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. It is also frequently paired with fruit dishes or candies. It can be used in fish dishes and is the key ingredient in lemon balm pesto. The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as a repellant for mosquitos.[6] Lemon balm is also used medicinally as an herbal tea, or in extract form. It is claimed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties (it is effective against herpes simplex).

Habitat:

Lemon balm requires light and at least 20 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) to germinate. Lemon balm grows in clumps and spreads vegetatively as well as by seed. In mild temperate zones, the stems of the plant die off at the start of the winter, but shoot up again in spring.

Notes:

Herb tea ingredient 5 = Lemon Balm

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pamsai
Spotted by
pamsai

Ireland

Spotted on Jul 10, 2012
Submitted on Jul 10, 2012

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