Family Name: Lamiaceae
Botanical Name(s): Melissa Officinalis
Popular Name(s): Balm, Lemon Balm, Melissa, Sweet Balm, Balm
Mint, Bee Balm, Blue Balm, Cure-All, Dropsy Plant, Garden Balm.
Parts Used: The dried leaves, as well as the essential oil are
used.
Habitat: It is common throughout Europe but cultivated mostly in
the United States.
Description: Lemon Balm is a lemon scented perennial. It grows
wild in fields and gardens and along roadsides. It has an upright stem
that grows as high as 3 feet. Oval toothed leaves and minor yellow
flowers are produced in auxiliary clusters in summer.
Uses: Lemon Balm is used internally to treat nervous disorders,
indigestion and/or excitability developing from nervous disorder,
hyperthyroidism and depression, anxiety, palpitations and tension
headaches. It is often used for sleeplessness and also for nervous
stomach disorders in both children and adults. Fresh lemon balm leaves
are used to give a lemon flavor to soups, salads and sauces.
