12/31/2025
One of my favorites to grow here. Perennials are the best!
🌿 All About Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) 🌿
If you’re new to herbs, lemon balm is one of the best plants you can start with. It’s gentle, versatile, and incredibly easy to grow — plus it smells like fresh lemons when you rub the leaves 🍋
🌱 How to Grow Lemon Balm
• Perennial (comes back every year)
• Loves full sun to partial shade
• Prefers well-drained soil
• Grows fast and can spread — containers are great for control
• Harvest leaves often to keep it bushy
• Very beginner-friendly and hard to kill
✨ What Lemon Balm Is Used For
• Calming the nervous system
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Supporting sleep
• Easing headaches and tension
• Supporting digestion
• Traditionally used for cold sores and viral support
🍵 How to Use Lemon Balm
• Tea: Fresh or dried leaves steeped in hot water
• Tincture: For stress, sleep, and emotional balance
• Infused oil: For salves and balms
• Bath soaks: Relaxing and soothing
• Fresh leaves: Add to water, salads, or desserts
📜 A Little History
Lemon balm has been used for over 2,000 years. Ancient Greeks and Romans prized it for uplifting the mood and calming the heart. In the Middle Ages, it was known as the “elixir of life” and used to promote longevity, joy, and mental clarity.
💚 Why I Love Lemon Balm
It’s one of the gentlest herbs out there — safe for most people, kid-friendly, and perfect for anyone dealing with stress, overwhelm, or restless sleep.
🌿 If you could only grow one calming herb, lemon balm would be it.