Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis
---Flavor Profile and Uses
---Identification
---Harvesting Instructions
- Lovely, smooth, lemon flavor when prepared as a tea
- Highly aromatic and pleasant, uplifting and soothing to the spirit
- Has nervine properties that reduces tension, agitation, and helps the body relax
- Antiviral and antimicrobial, a good source of vitamin C
- Often used in protocols for healing cold sores, blisters, and infections
- Antispasmodic, excellent carminative and treatment for gas and stomach upset
---Identification
- Can be found in full sun – partial shade and fertile, well-drained, loamy, moist soil
- Square stems and opposite leaves that are slightly heart shaped, toothed, and grow 3 – 4” long
- Flowers grow in whorls around the stem and are made up of small white blossoms
- Plants are upright and branched, growing 3 – 4’ tall
---Harvesting Instructions
- Best harvested on a dry, sunny day when beginning to bloom, during hot, dry weather when the plant is clean
- Cut entire aerial part of the plant, leaving 6 – 8” of green growth to regenerate (in a good season, it is possible to get 2 – 3 harvests)
- Should be processed immediately after harvest for highest quality
- Dry in bundles upside down in an area protected from the elements with good airflow
- When plants begin to crumble easily, remove foliage and flowers from stems and store in an airtight container (preferably with paper or desiccation packets added to absorb moisture and prevent molding over time)
Carpenter, Jeff, and Carpenter, Melanie. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2015.