Application – What healing or caring effect?
Lemon balm has been valued for its healing properties since the Middle Ages, which earned it a permanent place in the monastery gardens of the time. Since 1611, it has been used to produce the still-famous lemon balm spirit, which boasts healing properties thanks to its essential oils, tannins, and bitter compounds.
Lemon balm tea has a calming and antispasmodic effect. It's also very popular as a bath additive or ingredient in hair treatments.
Botanical – What kind of plant is this?
Lemon balm is a perennial plant whose leaves are edible. It belongs to the mint family and is native to the eastern Mediterranean.
Varieties – Which are recommended?
Lemon balm comes in many different varieties. Variegated-leaved forms such as 'Aurea' and 'Aurea variegata' require special protection in winter, such as foliage or fleece. Normally, all lemon balm varieties are quite sensitive to midday heat, with the exception of Cretan balm. Its silvery fur protects the aromatic leaves from the damaging sun's rays.
Interesting facts – What else is there to learn?
Lemon balm got its name from the pleasantly aromatic lemon scent it releases as soon as you touch it. The name "Melissa" also means "bee" in Greek. Lemon balm flowers are very popular with bees. If you're a bee lover, always leave a few shoots standing, and you'll soon be able to enjoy a visit from bees.
Lemon balm is often used as a lemon substitute with a milder lemon flavor. In Switzerland, some cheeses are even flavored with lemon balm.
In 1988, lemon balm won the title “Medicinal Plant of the Year”.
TEXT: Carina Naeve
