Is Lemon Balm Fragrant?

lemon balm, (Melissa officinalis), also called balm gentle, aromatic herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its lemon-scented fragrant leaves. Lemon balm is native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia and has naturalized in parts of North America and elsewhere.

Does lemon balm have a scent?

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.

Does lemon balm have a strong scent?

Lemon balm is a perennial leafy herb from the mint family with a strong but pleasant lemon smell.

Is lemon balm aromatic?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) belongs to the family Labiatae (Mint family) is an aromatic and fairly hardy perennial sub-shrub. It is a cross-pollinating species and has complete perfect flowers with very short-stalked epidermal glands.

What does lemon balm oil smell like?

The leaves are extremely fragrant and they produce a tart and sweet, lemon-like aroma when rubbed between the fingers. This is a soft, woody perfume that to me is more unisex than feminine. It’s not a unique scent by any means, but it is really pleasant and has exceptional longevity and sillage.

Is lemon balm a mosquito repellent?

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.

What can I use lemon balm 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).

Is lemon balm good for anxiety?

Studies show that lemon balm may be helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms by elevating mood and reducing levels of stress hormones. Additionally, lemon balm has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce feelings of stress and tension.

Is lemon balm invasive?

If not carefully controlled, lemon balm can quickly become invasive in the garden. Often, people mistakenly think that lemon balm is invasive due to its roots, like its cousins peppermint and spearmint, but in fact it’s the seeds of the lemon balm plant that cause this herb to suddenly take over a garden.

Is lemon balm poisonous?

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.

Can you eat raw lemon balm leaves?

How to Use Lemon Balm. 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.

Can my dog eat lemon balm?

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.

Is lemon balm a stimulant?

Lemon balm is said to soothe symptoms of stress, help you to relax, and boost your mood. A 2004 study found that taking lemon balm eased the negative mood effects of laboratory-induced psychological stress. Participants who took lemon balm self-reported an increased sense of calmness and reduced feelings of alertness.

Is lemon balm good for lungs?

The essential oil made from lemon balm is high in compounds called triterpenes, which are rapidly absorbed through the lungs and have a calming effect on the body through aroma therapy. Essential oil created from the leaves can also eaten and used as an antioxidant (Marangui et al., 2004).

Is lemon balm good for OCD?

Lemon balm calms your mind, nervous system, and body, so it is the perfect natural remedy for OCD sufferers. Lemon balm can also reduce or alleviate anxiety, depression, mood swings, headaches, heart palpitations, restlessness, and insomnia.

Does lemon balm repel ants?

Lemon Balm
This member of the mint family emits a clean lemon scent. Mosquitoes don’t like it. Neither do flies and ants.

Does lemon balm repel flies?

Lemon balm: Lemon balm is really easy to grow and makes a nice companion plant in a mixed pot. Plant it in a border around your patio, to repel biting flies.

Is citronella the same as lemon balm?

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) contains more citronella—as much as 400 times more—than the Mosquito Plant. And it turns out both lemon thyme and lemon balm are less expensive and easier to grow.

Can you eat lemon balm after it flowers?

Edibility – 5/5 – Strongly aromatic, reminiscent of sweet lemon, with menthol qualities (without actually being “minty”). The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after.

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.