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Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis


Flavor Profile and Uses

  • 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.

UMASS DINING . UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST . AMHERST, MA 01003
phone: 413-545-8682 | www.umassdining.com
  • About
    • Meet Our Staff
    • Our History
    • News >
      • Awards & Publications
    • Contact Us >
      • New Vendor Application
  • Initiatives
    • Purchasing
    • Low Carbon Dining
    • Waste Reduction
    • Prioritizing Real Food
    • Green Cleaning
  • Permaculture
    • How to Get Involved
    • History
    • Schedule a Tour
    • Our Gardens >
      • Franklin
      • Berkshire
      • Hillside
      • Hampshire
    • Medicinal Plant Guide >
      • Local Herbal Resources
      • Vocabulary
    • UMass Student Farmers Market
    • Donate Today
    • Annual Reports >
      • 2018
      • 2019
      • 2020
      • 2021
    • Local Permaculture Resources
  • Resources
    • How-To Guide for Food Service
    • How To Eat Sustainably on Campus
    • Low Carbon Dining
    • Virtual Gatherings
  • Events
  • Blog