Lemon balm, Mélisse
Botanical identification
Plant name: Lemon balm,Mèlisse, Citromfū
Latin name: Melissa officinalis
Botanical family: Lamiaceae
Lemon balm is a perennial aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean region and now widely cultivated throughout Europe. When its leaves are gently crushed, they release a soft, fresh lemon fragrance that has made the plant beloved in gardens and herbal traditions for centuries.
The name Melissa comes from the Greek word meaning “bee,” reflecting the plant’s strong attraction for bees and pollinators.
Botanical characteristics
Lemon balm is a perennial herb that typically grows between forty and ninety centimeters tall. Its stems are square, a characteristic feature of the mint family. The leaves grow opposite each other along the stem and have a softly serrated edge.
The leaves are light green, slightly textured, and highly aromatic. When touched or crushed, they release a gentle citrus scent.
The flowers appear from early summer to late summer. They are small and delicate, usually white or pale yellow, sometimes with a subtle pink hue.
Lemon balm thrives in fertile soils with moderate moisture and prefers partial shade, although it can also grow in sunny locations.
Parts used
The leaves are the primary part used in herbal preparations. In some cases, the flowering tops are also harvested. The ideal harvesting moment is just before flowering, when the aromatic compounds are most concentrated.
Chemical composition
Lemon balm contains several groups of natural compounds that contribute to its traditional uses.
The plant contains a small but active amount of essential oil composed mainly of citral, citronellal, linalool and geraniol.
It is also rich in polyphenols, particularly rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Flavonoids such as luteolin and quercetin are present, together with tannins and triterpenes.
Traditional properties
Lemon balm has long been appreciated as a gentle calming herb.
It supports relaxation of the nervous system, helps reduce mental agitation and encourages restful sleep. On the digestive level, it may help soothe spasms, bloating and digestive discomfort related to stress.
In European herbal traditions, lemon balm has often been described as a “plant of the heart,” associated with emotional comfort and calm.
Research has also highlighted its antiviral activity, particularly in relation to herpes viruses.
Internal use
Lemon balm is commonly prepared as an infusion, tincture, liquid extract or powdered herb.
It is traditionally used to accompany states of mild stress, nervous tension, digestive discomfort linked to anxiety and difficulty falling asleep.
External use
When used externally, lemon balm preparations may help soothe irritated skin. It has also been traditionally used in preparations applied to cold sores.
In some herbal formulations, lemon balm appears as infused oil or botanical extract incorporated into soothing topical preparations.
Simple infusion recipe
For one cup of herbal tea, use approximately one to two grams of dried lemon balm leaves, which corresponds roughly to one teaspoon.
Pour hot water over the herb, cover the cup and allow it to infuse for seven to ten minutes.
The infusion can be enjoyed one to three times per day, especially in the evening as part of a calming ritual.
Example calming blend
Lemon balm combines beautifully with chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Together they create a soft floral infusion often enjoyed during evening rituals to support relaxation.
Historical notes
Lemon balm has been cultivated in monastery gardens since the Middle Ages. A famous herbal preparation known as “Carmelite Water” or “Eau de Mélisse des Carmes” was once widely used as an aromatic tonic for digestion and nervous tension.
The Renaissance physician Paracelsus praised lemon balm as a plant capable of “gladdening the heart.”
Precautions
Lemon balm is generally considered a very safe herb when consumed as an infusion.
Some sources suggest avoiding high doses in cases of hypothyroidism because the plant may slightly influence thyroid activity. At traditional infusion levels, it is widely regarded as well tolerated.