Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is a lemon scented member of the mint family. It is an upright perennial with a strong lemony-mint scent and flavor. It grows to 2' tall and is loosely branched with insignificant pale yellow flowers. Lemon balm has many uses. As a cosmetic, it makes a good skin cleanser. Steamy facials are recommended for acne. Dry leaves are used in potpourri. It is reputed to repel insects and can be blended with other insect repelling herbs. Lemon Balm is antibacterial and anti viral in nature. Lemon balm has long been considered a "calming" herb. It has been used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort associated with digestion (including flatulence and bloating as well as colic). Even before the Middle Ages, lemon balm was steeped in wine to lift the spirits, help heal wounds, and treat venomous insect bites and stings. Today, lemon balm is often combined with other calming, soothing herbs, such as valerian, to enhance the overall relaxing effect. Lemon Balm makes both delicious beverage and medicinal teas. Use fresh lemon balm and mint to make an excellent hot or iced tea. It is also nice added to black tea. Fresh leaves can be chopped and added to green salads, fruits salads, marinated vegetables, poultry stuffing, and fish marinades and sauces. It goes well with broccoli, asparagus, lamb, fish, and shellfish. It can be used in place of lemon peel in recipes. Lemon Balm is a good herb to flavor fish and chicken.Combine it with other lemon herbs such as lemon thyme, lemon basil, and lemon verbena and add to vinegar. It is one of the ingredients in Benedictine and Chartreuse liqueurs. Lemon balm grows best in fertile, moist soil with a pH of 5 to 7.5. It likes some shade during the hot part of the day or it will wilt slightly. You can divide lemon balm in the spring or fall. Some people pick leaves and rub on skin and clothing for a quick mosquito repellent. They say it works for about an hour and then it has to be reapplyed. This plant is in a 2.5 inch pot. Plants are shipped USPS Priority Mail. Continental United States only.
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Herb Plants 
