Lemon Balm: The Chill AF, and Laid Back Like a Friday Night

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is the kind of herb that makes you wonder why the hell you didn’t start using it sooner. With its citrusy aroma and gentle medicinal properties, this plant is a multitasking legend in the world of herbal medicine. Need to chill out? Lemon Balm. Feeling under the weather? Lemon Balm. Looking for better sleep? You guessed it—Lemon Balm. This herb has been used for centuries in both European and Middle Eastern traditions, and it’s high time you got on board. Let’s dig into what makes this herb so amazing, how to grow it, and all the kickass ways to use it.

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What the Hell Is Lemon Balm?

Lemon Balm is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. It’s known for its lemony scent, which comes from the plant’s essential oils, packed with compounds like citronellal, geraniol, and rosmarinic acid. While it’s a superstar in herbal teas and remedies, it’s also a bee magnet in the garden—hence its botanical name, Melissa, which means “honeybee” in Greek.

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Growing Lemon Balm: The Easiest Damn Herb You’ll Ever Grow

Lemon Balm is ridiculously low-maintenance. If you’ve got a patch of dirt and a little sunlight, you’re already halfway there.

Step 1: Pick Your Spot

Lemon Balm thrives in full sun to partial shade and loves rich, well-drained soil. It’ll even tolerate crappy soil, but give it some compost or organic matter for a little boost.

Step 2: Start from Seeds or Cuttings

You can start Lemon Balm from seeds, cuttings, or divisions. Seeds take a couple of weeks to germinate, so if you’re impatient, go for cuttings or pick up a young plant from your local nursery. Space them about 12 inches apart—this herb likes to spread out.

Step 3: Water and Mulch

Keep the soil moist but not swampy. Lemon Balm is drought-tolerant once established, but it appreciates regular watering. Add mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep weeds in check.

Step 4: Harvest Like a Pro

Start harvesting leaves once the plant is established, usually a few weeks after planting. Snip the top leaves to encourage bushier growth. If you’re drying it, do so in a cool, dark place to preserve the essential oils.

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Medicinal Uses: Why Lemon Balm Is a Game-Changer

Lemon Balm’s medicinal properties are as versatile as its uses in the kitchen. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your herbal arsenal:

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Lemon Balm is famous for its calming effects. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and even mild depression by boosting GABA levels in your brain. Think of it as a chill pill, but natural.

Sleep Support

If you’re tossing and turning at night, Lemon Balm can help. Its sedative properties make it great for promoting relaxation and better sleep.

Digestive Health

Feeling bloated or dealing with an upset stomach? Lemon Balm is a carminative, meaning it helps reduce gas and improve digestion. It’s also good for nausea.

Cold and Flu Remedy

Lemon Balm’s antiviral properties make it a great choice for tackling cold sores, flu symptoms, and even respiratory infections. Its rosmarinic acid helps fight off nasty viruses.

Skin Care

Got a pesky cold sore or irritated skin? Lemon Balm’s antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties make it a go-to for topical applications. It speeds up healing and soothes irritation.