Tea Collection: Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is one of my favorite summer herbs to use when we have dinner parties. It gives such a wonderful flavor to grilled fish, garden salads and even sunset drinks around the fire pit

I grow lemon balm in my tea garden, in the chicken garden and in a pot on my patio. I think it’s easy to say it is one of my favorites. The long list of benefits makes that much much sweeter!

Flu Fighter
Stress Relief
Reduces Anxiety (some suggest support for ADHD)
Brain Booster
Sleep Aid
Relieves Indigestion
Treats Nausea
Menstrual Cramps
Headaches
Toothaches
Hyperthyroid
Cold Sores
Insect Stings

WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE LEMON BALM

While this Lemon Balm is considered safe for most people, do not take it in therapeutic levels if you are taking prescription sedatives or medication for glaucoma or hyperthyroid.

History
Believed to be used as early as 2000 years ago by the Greeks and Romans. In midevil times it was a symbol of sympathy and was ofen exchanged with flowers

Part of Plant Used
Gernerally the leaves are used for medicinal and culinary purposed, but the purple flowers are edible and a beautiful garnish to a summer garden salad. The leaves are definely more widely used both fresh and dried.

Best Way to use it
Balm can be used in a variety of applications including, but not limited to: Tinctures, infusions, essential oils, juices, lotions, ointments and balms. Fresh leaves enhance summer dishes from fish to watermelon. Makes a great pesto, spritzer, or tea. For tea, steep the leaves for 5-10 minutes. Try it as an iced tea!

Harvesting and Storing
Harvest your lemon balm bush three to four times a season. At the end of the season, clip long stems. Either hang a bundle upside down to dry, or pick the leaves and dehydrate. Keep your dried lemon balm leaves in an air tight container so the aroma stays in tact.

Chickens Love it
Being in the mint family, Lemon Balm is loved and appreciated by your chickens. We like to grow some in the chicken garden. When they aren't eating it they are laying in it.

Pet Safe
Lemon Balm is non toxic and safe for you cats and dogs. It might help repel stray cats as they do not prefer the lemony smell. But it could help your dog with anxiety and respiratory health .

Sourcing
If you plan to grow lemon balm in your garden, I suggest sourcing your seeds from a small farm like Willow Ridge Gardens

If you want some dried lemon balm to get started before the growing season, Here is one I recommend from Amazon

If you are looking for essential oils - I prefer Revive **for some reason this particular oil is very expensive on revive so here is an alternative on Amazon

Click on the picture below for a printable PDF format to add to your herb journal.