Lemon Balm: History, Facts, and Traditional Uses

Hello Healers!

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a bright, gentle herb long loved for its calming presence and uplifting aroma. With a history rooted in European herbalism and monastic gardens, lemon balm has been used for centuries to support the nervous system, digestion, and emotional well-being. Here’s a clear, factual look at its background, botany, and traditional uses.

A Little History

Lemon balm is native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia but has been cultivated throughout Europe for over 2,000 years. Ancient Greek and Roman physicians wrote of its calming and restorative qualities, and by the Middle Ages it had become a staple herb in monastery gardens.

The herb was especially associated with easing melancholy, lifting the spirits, and calming the heart. It was a key ingredient in Carmelite Water, a famous herbal preparation developed in 14th-century France and used for nervous complaints and digestive discomfort.

Over time, lemon balm spread widely and became one of the most commonly grown household herbs in Europe.

Botanical Facts

Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis

Family: Lamiaceae

Type: Perennial herb

Native Range: Mediterranean region and Western Asia

Parts Used: Leaves and aerial parts

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, with soft, serrated leaves and a distinct lemon scent released when the leaves are crushed. It grows easily, often vigorously, and produces small white flowers that are highly attractive to bees.

Traditional Uses

Lemon balm has been used traditionally for:

• Calming the nervous system

• Supporting emotional balance

• Easing digestive discomfort

• Supporting restful sleep

• Lifting low or stagnant mood

These uses appear consistently in European folk medicine and early herbal texts.

Common Modern Forms

You’ll most often find lemon balm as:

• Dried or fresh tea

• Tinctures and liquid extracts

• Capsules

• Nervine and digestive blends

Its flavor is light, lemony, and mildly sweet, making it a popular and approachable herbal tea.

Growing Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is one of the easiest herbs to grow:

• Thrives in full sun to partial shade

• Grows well in gardens or containers

• Spreads readily if not contained

• Attracts pollinators, especially bees

Because of its resilience and usefulness, it’s often recommended for beginner gardeners.

Lemon balm embodies gentleness and steadiness — an herb that offers quiet support, clarity, and comfort, just as it has for centuries.

Until Next Time!