Lemon balm extract comes from the lemon balm herb, also known as Melissa officinalis, which belongs to the mint family Lamiacaea. It is also sometimes known as honey plant, sweet balm or blue balm. It is native to south Europe and the Mediterranean. The herb has multiple uses in the culinary and medical industries. It has been used to help heal insect bites, as aromatherapy and even as a sedative. It also is commonly used to add flavor to salads, pesto and various marinades.
Medicinally, lemon balm extract has been used since before the Middle Ages to soothe insect bites, reduce stress and help improve appetite. Lemon balm has exhibited antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and its antiviral properties can make it effective against herpes simplex. The oils of lemon balm extract are often used in aromatherapy, especially when blended with citronella or lemon oils. The herb can also be taken as a tea and used as a mild sedative. The crushed leaves of the herb, when rubbed on skin, can be used to help repel mosquitoes as well.
Although using lemon balm extract is typically considered safe for both adults and children, it may cause reactions when taken with other medicines or herbs. Though side effects are rare, they can include nausea, wheezing, abdominal pain and dizziness. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should generally avoid taking lemon balm.
The herb has many culinary applications as well. It is the main ingredient in lemon balm pesto, and it can be blended with other herbs, fruits or used to make candy. Lemon balm blends especially well with rosemary, thyme, bay leaves and mint. It is frequently used to flavor tea and ice cream, and can be added to salads, soups, casseroles and egg dishes. It can work well as a marinade for fish, or as a stuffing for lamb, poultry and pork as well.
Lemon balm is generally considered an easy herb to cultivate. It typically grows best in US Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. The plant prefers full sun, but it can be more shade tolerant than most other herbs. It grows close to the ground in large clumps, and can reach a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). It has an appearance much like mint. If left alone, in proper conditions, the herb can easily spread and possibly become invasive.
Lemon balm's name developed thousands of years ago in ancient Greece. The Greeks believed that the human soul took the form of a honeybee when descending from heaven. Therefore, they placed great importance on tending beehives, particularly in the Temple of Artemis. They often set the herb around beehives to attract swarms, and to keep the bees happy so they would not swarm away. The Greek word for honey bee is “Melissa,” so because of this, the herb was eventually named Melissa officinalis.