• Easy to grow
• Loved by bees
• Culinary and medicinal uses
• Uplifting herb

Thought to have been introduced by the Romans, lemon balm (Melissa) has been described in herbals ever since where it is often called the elixir of life. Nicholas Culpeper, a famous herbalist said of Melissa causes the heart and the mind to become merry and the a Prince of Glamorgan was reputed to have drunk it daily and lived to be one hundred and eight. The small white flowers produced in summer are loved by bees. It is an easy herb to grow outside in the garden or in pots, where it can be used fresh throughout the summer.

Plant care

• Height: 60-100cm
• Type: Hardy
• Aspect: Sun
• Soil: Any/alkaline
• Flower colour: White
• Flowering period: June – August

Melissa is an easy herb to grow hardy perennial and eventually forms a substantial clump which can be easily divided to provide new plants for friends and family. It adores a sunny site which we find increases both the oil and flavour in the leaves and encourages it to produce more of the small white flowers in summer for the bees. We grow both the common variety and a variegated form with yellow splashes on the leaves.

Usage

The leaves make a refreshing lemon tea that can be drunk hot or cold and a daily cup is thought to help with feelings of anxiety and depression. Lemon balm can be used flavour cakes, fruit and ice cream and the leaves add a fresh bite to salads. It is a soothing herb for digestive tract spasms and can help with feelings of nausea. It can be cut and hung in bunches away from direct sunlight to dry and stored in air tight containers for use during the winter.

If you have any questions about this herb please dont hesitate to get in touch