What is Lemon Balm?

Lemon Balm is the dried leaf of Melissa officinalis, a lemon-scented perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to south-central Europe and the Mediterranean. It is also called Melissa, Sweet Balm, and Bee Balm.

About the plant

The genus name Melissa comes from the Greek word for honeybee, reflecting how strongly the plant's nectar attracts bees. Lemon Balm has been cultivated since at least ancient Greek times and appears throughout medieval European herbal tradition, including the famous "Carmelite water" preparation of 17th-century France. Its aromatic character comes largely from citral, citronellal, and geraniol, alongside rosmarinic acid.

Related herbs

• Lemon Balm Powder — the ground form of the same leaf.
• Lemon Balm Tincture — an alcohol-based liquid extract.

Lemon Balm: form & sizes

We carry Lemon Balm as organic cut and sifted dried leaf, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Lemon Balm in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Lemon Balm at a glance

Botanical name

Melissa officinalis

Family

Lamiaceae

Native region

south-central Europe and the Mediterranean

Plant part

leaf

Sourcing

Organic

Also known as

Melissa, Sweet Balm, Bee Balm

Form

cut and sifted dried leaf

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb