Horti Tops® Lemon Balm

€ 2,59 (incl. VAT where applicable)

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a versatile culinary and medicinal herb. Sow indoors from March to April, or outdoors from April to July. Expected height: 90 cm.

6 in stock (can be backordered)

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Stress reducer: One of the best herbs for calming anxiety

Lemon without citrus: Fresh lemony flavor for any dish

Bee plant: “Melissa” means bee in Greek

The Happiness Herb

Lemon balm has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, prized for its ability to lift the spirits. An old Arabian proverb declares “lemon balm makes the heart merry.” Modern research confirms what traditional herbalists knew – lemon balm reduces anxiety and improves mood without causing drowsiness.

Culinary Uses

Fresh tea: Simply pour hot water over a handful of fresh leaves. The bright lemon flavor is refreshing hot or iced.

In cooking: Add chopped leaves to fruit salads, fish dishes, chicken, and light vegetable preparations. Add at the end of cooking – heat diminishes the flavor.

Lemon balm pesto: Substitute lemon balm for half the basil in traditional pesto for a lemony twist.

Desserts: Infuse cream or syrup with lemon balm for ice cream, panna cotta, or cocktails.

Medicinal Benefits

Anxiety and stress: Research shows lemon balm reduces anxiety and promotes calmness without sedation. It is excellent for everyday stress and nervousness.

Sleep support: While not strongly sedating, lemon balm helps quiet a racing mind at bedtime. Combine with chamomile for a gentle sleep tea.

Cold sores: Lemon balm has antiviral properties, particularly against herpes simplex (cold sores). Apply lemon balm cream or lip balm at the first tingle.

Growing Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is extremely easy to grow – sometimes too easy. It self-sows prolifically and can become invasive. Cut back plants before they set seed, or grow in containers. Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor. Cut the plant back hard midsummer for a fresh flush of growth.