Lemon balm

Taxobox
name = Lemon Balm


image_width = 240px
image_caption = Lemon Balm
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Lamiales
familia = Lamiaceae
genus = "Melissa"
species = "M. officinalis"
binomial = "Melissa officinalis"
binomial_authority = Linnaeus [cite web
url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?24036
title=Melissa officinalis information from NPGS/GRIN
publisher=www.ars-grin.gov
accessdate=2008-03-04|last=
first=]

Lemon balm ("Melissa officinalis"), not to be confused with bee balm, "Monarda" species, is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

It grows to 70-150 cm tall. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint. At the end of the summer, little white flowers full of nectar appear. These attract bees, hence the genus name "Melissa" (Greek for 'honey bee'). Its flavour comes from the terpenes citronellal, citronellol, citral, and geraniol.

Cultivation

This herb can be easy to cultivate in United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. In zone 4, it needs winter mulch and a well-drained sandy soil to survive. In zone 7, it can be harvested at least until the end of November. While it prefers full sun (as described on most plant tags), it is moderately shade-tolerant, much more so than most herbs. In dry climates, it grows best in partial shade. It can also be easily grown as an indoor potted herb.

Lemon Balm grows in clumps and spreads vegetatively as well as by seed. In mild temperate zones, the stems of the plant die off at the start of the winter, but shoot up again in spring. It can be easily grown from stem cuttings rooted in water, or from seeds. Under ideal conditions, it will seed itself prolifically and can become a nuisance in gardens.

Usage

Culinary use

Lemon balm is often used as a flavouring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. It is also frequently paired with fruit dishes or candies.

Medicinal uses

The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as a repellant for mosquitos.

Lemon Balm is also used medicinally as a herbal tea, or in extract form. It is claimed to have antibacterial, antiviral properties (it is effective against herpes simplex), and it is also used as a mild sedative or calming agent. At least one study has found it to be effective at reducing stress, although the study's authors call for further research [cite journal | last = Kennedy | first = D.O. | coauthors = W. Little, A.B. Scholey. | year = 2004 | title = Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) | journal = Psychosom Med | volume = 66 | issue = 4 | pages = 607–613 | doi = 10.1097/01.psy.0000132877.72833.71 | pmid = 15272110] . Its antibacterial properties have also been demonstrated scientifically, although they are markedly weaker than those from a number of other plants studied [cite journal | last = Nascimento | first = G.G.F. | coauthors = J. Locatelli, P.C. Freitas, G.L. Silva | year = 2002 | title = Antibacterial activity of plant extracts and phytochemicals on Antibiotic-resistant bacteria | journal = Brazilian Journal of Microbiology | volume = 31 | issue = 4 ] .

Lemon balm essential oil is very popular in aromatherapy. The essential oil is commonly co-distilled with lemon oil, citronella oil, or other oils.

Lemon balm should be avoided by those on thyroid medication (such as thyroxine) as it is believed that the herb inhibits the absorption of this medicine.

Despite extensive traditional medicinal use, melissa oil has been prohibited by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA)'s 42nd amendment.

Chemistry

Lemon Balm contains eugenol which kills bacteria and has been shown to calm muscles and numb tissues. It also contains tannins that contribute to its anti-viral effects, as well as terpenes that add to its soothing effects.

Gallery

References

External links

* [http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/balm--02.html Mrs M. Grieve, "A Modern Herbal":] Lemon Balm
* [http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/plantdisp.xsql?taxon=612 Lemon Balm List of Chemicals (Dr. Duke's)]
* [http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lemon-balm-000261.htm Lemon Balm Medical Reference]