melissa officinalis

Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

What We're Growing:
We grow lemon balm for its soft, bright green leaves and gentle lemon-mint aroma. It’s a favorite among pollinators and people — calming the nervous system while attracting bees with its tiny white blooms.

How We Use It:
Lemon balm is used fresh in teas, infused waters, honey, vinegars, and herbal desserts. We also dry the leaves for winter infusions and use it in facial steams, salves, and sleep blends.

Why It’s Good for You:
Lemon balm is a calming nervine, traditionally used to ease anxiety, lift low mood, support digestion, and promote restful sleep. It contains rosmarinic acid, which has antiviral, antioxidant, and cognitive-supportive properties.

In herbal medicine, it’s often used to soothe heart palpitations, reduce stress-related digestive discomfort, and support clarity in times of overwhelm. Its gentle nature makes it ideal for children, elders, and sensitive constitutions.

In the Garden:
Lemon balm thrives in full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil. Like mint, it spreads easily and benefits from regular harvesting to prevent flowering and maintain potency.

Fun Fact:
In medieval Europe, lemon balm was called the “elixir of life” and was often planted near the kitchen door to calm the spirit, invite joy, and protect the heart from sadness.