Growing Lemon Balm
Growing Lemon Balm and planting them in a your home garden is often referred to as the bee herb. It has long been known for its honeyed sweetness and pleasing lemon scent. The herb's Latin name, Melissa officinalis, is derived from the Greek word for honey bee. In plant folklore, there is a belief that bees will not leave the hive if lemon balm grows nearby. The use of herbal remedies is interwoven into the history of medicine. Traditional therapies depended heavily on using herbs. Planting Although the plants will not reach the height or fullness they can growing outside, you can grow lemon balm inside in pots. Simply select a location where they will receive lots of sunshine, ideally a sunny spot situated in a window facing south. Even the smallest balcony can accommodate growing an herb garden. Gardeners with more space can interplant vegetables with herbs. Plants reach a height of about two feet.
Soil Grow lemon balm in rich, moist soil in full sun or light shade.
Care when growing lemon balm The herb is an easy to cultivate perennial in the mint family. Periodically prune or pinch back older plantings to keep them compact sized. Cut back in summer before flowering to encourage leaf growth. Harvesting Using scissors cut the leaves just before flowers form for the fullest flavor. Wash leaves quickly in cool water and lightly dry with a paper towel. Then dry the herbs in a microwave on the lowest setting for one minute or less. As the name suggests, leaves and stems have are delightfully lemon scented. Pick fresh young foliage to add to garden salads and summertime drinks such as lemonade. Lemon balm may also be used in recipes as a substitute for lemon grass.
Health Benefits Grown as healing plants, relaxing lemon balm tea calms nervousness, stimulates the heart, lowers blood pressure, and alleviates headache or migraine pain. The health benefits are seen in raising cattle as well. The plant has shown to increase milk production in cows when planted in pastureland. Many herbs such as lemon balm can be used for brewing tea. It has been used to effectively treat colic, menstrual cramps, bronchitis, insomnia, headaches, colds, flu, indigestion, and some forms of asthma. Herbalists recommend teas made from lemon balm to help cure colds. To brew medicinal tea, cover one teaspoon dried leaves or three teaspoons freshly crushed herb with one cup boiling water. Steep for ten minutes and strain. Enjoy! lemon balm uses Lemon balm herb tea combined with marjoram helps relieve symptoms of pregnancy as well as signs of menopause. Due to its natural sweetness, it can be used as a sugar substitute to reduce the amount of sugar needed when cooking your favorite recipes.
The herb is particularly tasty in tarts or fruit pies made of rhubarb, tart apples, gooseberry, or plums. Not only does lemon balm cut down on the need for sugar, it also gives your desserts a delicious taste. Consider growing lemon balm in a healing garden for alternative therapies for stress-related illnesses like insomnia and anxiety. Be aware that even natural remedies may cause side effects if taken in large amounts. Go to Healing Garden from Growing Lemon Balm |
