FREE: lemon balm seeds at least 25 seeds

The listing, lemon balm seeds at least 25 seeds has ended.

Culinary use[edit]

Lemon balm is often used as a flavouring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. It is also frequently paired with fruit dishes or candies. It can be used in fish dishes and is the key ingredient in lemon balm pesto. It has been suggested that it might be a better, healthier preservative than beta hydroxy acid in sausages.[6]

Uses in traditional and alternative medicine[edit]





Melissa (Melissa officinalis) essential oil in a clear glass vial
In the traditional Austrian medicine Melissa officinalis leaves have been prescribed for internal (as tea) or external (essential oil) application for the treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, liver and bile.[7]

Lemon balm is the main ingredient of Carmelite Water, which is still for sale in German pharmacies.[8]

Lemon balm essential oil is very popular in aromatherapy. The essential oil is commonly co-distilled with lemon oil, citronella oil, or other oils.

Research into possible effects on humans[edit]

High doses of purified lemon balm extracts were found to be effective in the amelioration of laboratory-induced stress in human subjects, producing "significantly increased self-ratings of calmness and reduced self-ratings of alertness." The authors further report a "significant increase in the speed of mathematical processing, with no reduction in accuracy" following the administration of a 300 mg dose of extract.[9]

Lemon balm is believed to inhibit the absorption of the thyroid medication thyroxine.[