How Can You Tell If Its Lemon Balm?

Identification – 4/5 – Lemon balm is a member of the mint (lamiaceae) family, so easily identified by its square stems (twirl them round in your fingers to feel this), oppositely paired leaves, and flowers that hug the stem. As no members of the mint family are toxic, you are on safe ground here.

How can you tell the difference between lemon balm and catnip?

They are easy to tell apart by their aroma, differences in pubescence, leaf shape, bloom arrangement, and their effect on most cats. Lemon balm has a lemony aroma, and prefers moister habitats whereas catnip is found in drier habitats.

What does lemon balm herb look like?

Lemon balm is a bushy perennial herb with deliciously lemon-scented leaves and creamy-white or pale purple flowers in summer. It is vigorous and easy to grow in sun or light shade. The leaves give a lemony kick to salads, sauces and fish dishes, and make a refreshing herb tea.

What does a lemon balm flower look like?

The oval or heart-shaped, slightly toothed leaves are held tightly in pairs at each stem joint. The white tiny flowers are fairly inconspicuous. The inconspicuous white flowers, sometimes with a yellowish or pinkish tinge, bloom in the leaf axils throughout the summer and are attractive to bees.

Is lemon balm poisonous to humans?

When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.

Does lemon balm smell like lemon?

The green leaves of lemon balm have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint, with leaves that look like oversized mint — no surprise, since lemon balm is part of the mint family.

Can I eat lemon balm raw?

As a general rule of thumb, treat lemon balm as you would any other fresh herb. It works especially well in place of mint, offering bright, fragrant notes. Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor.

Is wild lemon balm edible?

Lemon Balm as an Edible
As a seasoning it is extremely versatile and as a beverage, it is favourite to use in the summer months.

Can you drink lemon balm?

Summary. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb in the mint family. It can be consumed as tea, taken as a supplement or extract, or rubbed on the skin in balms and lotions.

Are there different kinds of lemon balm?

There are many different varieties of the lemon balm plant. The most popular ones are listed below and explained in detail with their ideal growing conditions.

What is the difference between lemon mint and lemon balm?

Lemon balm and Mint have similar origins. They are both from the mint family. Yet, lemon balm has a lemony taste with mild mint undertones, while Mint is sweet with a menthol feel.

Does lemon balm have any look alikes?

When I’m out foraging and I see what looks like a plant in the mint family it is more often that not lemon balm. Most mints look similar and they all have square stems, which makes them pretty easy to identify, and if it smells like lemons then it’s most likely lemon balm.

What are the side effects of drinking lemon balm tea?

Lemon balm has the potential to cause the following side effects:

• headache.
• painful urination.
• increased body temperature.
• nausea.
• vomiting.
• stomach pain.
• dizziness.
• wheezing.

Is lemon balm toxic to the liver?

It has been proved that high concentrations of flavonoides increase production of reactive oxygen species by autooxidation (28). These cases show that consumption of high doses of lemon balm hydroalcohoic extract in the short period causes toxicity effects on liver cells.

Does lemon balm keep mosquitoes away?

Lemon Balm
The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.

Does dried lemon balm smell?

Because it does grow easily, dried lemon balm is readily available directly from herb suppliers. Dried lemon balm may lose flavor and aroma, but only partially. It does not; however, suffer any medicinal quality.

Is lemon balm toxic to dogs?

Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.

Are cats attracted to lemon balm?

– Lemon balm: Melissa officinalis is not only a cat favorite, but this herb also makes a wonderful tea and emits a lemon-like fragrance.

What is the difference between lemon balm and bee balm?

Bee Balm and Lemon Balm are not the same plant but both are members of the mint family, Lamiaceae. The visual difference is Bee Balm is larger and produces deep red flowers while Lemon Balm is smaller and has small white flowers.

What is lemon balm used for?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).

What happens if you smoke lemon balm?

In the research, they gave the mixture to two groups, and reports showed that participants noticed favorable effects on different aspects of their moods and lower anxiety levels. Likewise, herbal smoking blends containing lemon balm may be able to offer similar effects for those dealing with anxiety.