Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, but it is now cultivated worldwide for its culinary, medicinal, and aromatic properties. The history of lemon balm plant cultivation dates back to ancient times.
**History of Cultivation:**
- **Ancient Times:** The cultivation of lemon balm can be traced back to around 2000 BCE in Egypt, where it was used for its soothing effects and pleasant scent. It was often planted in the gardens of the Pharaohs and was considered a sacred herb by the Egyptians.
- **Greece and Rome:** In Greek and Roman cultures, lemon balm was widely used for medicinal purposes. The Greeks called it "Melissa," which means "bee" in reference to its ability to attract bees and the sweet honey they produced from its nectar. The Romans used it to treat a variety of conditions, including insomnia, nervousness, and digestive problems.
- **Medieval Period:** During the Middle Ages, lemon balm was used to treat various ailments, including the bubonic plague. It was also believed to have calming and uplifting effects on the spirit and was often used in herbal teas and potions.
- **Renaissance:** The herb gained popularity in the Renaissance as a symbol of love and was often used in love potions. It was also planted in monastic gardens for its calming properties and for use in religious ceremonies.
- **Modern Times:** Today, lemon balm is widely cultivated in home gardens and commercially for its essential oil, which is used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and food and beverages.
**How to Sow and Grow:**
1. **Soil Preparation:** Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Lemon balm prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil.
2. **Sowing:** Sow lemon balm seeds in the spring, after the last frost date. You can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly sow them outdoors. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 8-12 inches apart.
3. **Germination and Growth:** Germination typically takes 7-14 days. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plants will grow quickly and spread out.
4. **Sunlight:** Provide full sun to partial shade for lemon balm plants. They can tolerate some shade, but they may become less fragrant if they do not get enough sun.
5. **Watering:** Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
6. **Temperature:** Lemon balm prefers temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 80°F (27°C). It may die back in colder winters but will regrow from the roots in the spring.
7. **Fertilizing:** Feed the plants with a balanced organic fertilizer in the spring.
8. **Pruning:** Regular pruning helps keep the plant bushy and encourages new growth. Pinch back the stems to prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
9. **Harvesting:** You can start harvesting lemon balm leaves as soon as the plant is 6 inches tall. Cut the stems just above a pair of leaves to encourage more growth. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use.
10. **Propagation:** Lemon balm can also be propagated through division or stem cuttings. It tends to self-seed and spread, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on it in the garden to prevent it from becoming invasive.
**Uses:**
- **Culinary:** The leaves have a delightful lemon scent and flavor that is used in teas, desserts, salads, sauces, and as a garnish.
- **Medicinal:** Traditionally, lemon balm has been used to treat anxiety, stress, insomnia, digestive issues, and cold sores. It is also known for its calming effects and can be made into a tea or tincture.
- **Aromatherapy:** The essential oil from lemon balm is used for its uplifting and calming properties. It can be inhaled or used topically in diluted form.
- **Insect Repellent:** The strong lemon scent of lemon balm can help repel mosquitoes and other insects.
- **Companion Planting:** Planting lemon balm near other herbs and vegetables can help deter pests and improve the overall health of the garden due to its strong scent.
- **Ornamental:** Its attractive foliage and small white or pink flowers make it an appealing addition to herb gardens, borders, and containers.
Lemon balm is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners. It is a versatile plant with many uses and benefits.
Do not use for medicinal purpose without expert medical advice.