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Melissa officinalis
  • Lemon Balm

a perennial member of the Melissa genus in the family Labiatae.

Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid, neutral, alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Loamy
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 4
    Zone 4
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Melissa officinalis has 0 edible uses listed
Melissa officinalis has 0 material uses listed
Melissa officinalis has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant lemon-like aroma and flavour, they are used mainly as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. A lemon-flavoured tea can be made from the fresh or dried leaves[8][7]. A bunch of the leaves can be added to china tea, much improving the flavour, the leaves are also added to fruit cups etc[9]. They are used as a flavouring in various alcoholic beverages including Chartreuse and Benedictine[10].

Unknown part

Condiment
Tea

Leaves

Unknown use

Material uses

The growing plant is said to repel flies and ants[5]. It is also rubbed on the skin as a repellent[10], though the essential oil would be more effective here[K]. An essential oil is obtained from the plant[11] (the exact part is not specified, it is probably the entire plant and especially the flowering stems). It is used medicinally. The whole plant is very pleasantly aromatic, the aroma lasting for a long time after the plant has been harvested. It is therefore a very useful ingredient in pot-pourri[9].

Unknown part

Essential
Pot-pourri
Repellent

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Lemon balm is a commonly grown household remedy with a long tradition as a tonic remedy that raises the spirits and lifts the heart[12]. Modern research has shown that it can help significantly in the treatment of cold sores[12].

The leaves and young flowering shoots are antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative, and tonic[9][2][4][8][13][10]. It also acts to inhibit thyroid activity[10]. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and colds, indigestion associated with nervous tension, excitability and digestive upsets in children, hyperthyroidism, depression, mild insomnia, headaches etc[9][4][10]. Externally, it is used to treat herpes, sores, gout, insect bites and as an insect repellent[10]. The plant can be used fresh or dried, for drying it is harvested just before or just after flowering[4]. The essential oil contains citral and citronella, which act to calm the central nervous system and are strongly antispasmodic[12]. The plant also contains polyphenols, in particular these combat the herpes simplex virus which produces cold sores[12].

The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Female aspects'[14]. It is used to relax and rejuvenate, especially in cases of depression and nervous tension[10].

Unknown part

Antibacterial
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Aromatherapy
Carminative
Diaphoretic
Digestive
Emmenagogue
Febrifuge
Sedative
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. Germination can be slow[15]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions when the plants are at least 15cm tall[K].

If there is plenty of seed it can be sown in an outdoor seed bed in April. Plant out into their permanent positions the following spring. Division in spring or autumn[16]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cuttings in July/August.

Seed

Rooted cuttings

Cultivation

A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny sheltered position[15]. It prefers a light rich moist soil[17][18],a warm position[6][17] and partial shade[9]. Once established, this is a drought tolerant species[19][15], it is a useful plant to try in difficult dry places[20], usually succeeding in the dustiest of soils once it is established[19].

Lemon balm is often grown in the herb garden, and sometimes also commercially[21], there are some named varieties[7]. Plants can often self-sow so freely as to become a menace[20]. If the plants are cut back hard after flowering, they will produce a fresh flush of leaves[10]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[22].

A good bee plant[9][3][23]. A good companion plant, especially for brassicas[5].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Melissa officinalis. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Melissa officinalis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Melissa officinalis
Genus
Melissa
Family
Labiatae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
Medicinal uses
[12][9][2][4][8][13][10][14]
Material uses & Functions
[5][10][11][9]
Botanic
[24][15]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
0.7 x 0.4
Fertility
?
Pollinators
?
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
hermaphrodite











References

  1. ? 1.01.1 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (32202/01/01)
  2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (32202/01/01)
  3. ? 3.03.13.2 Ceres. Free for All. Thorsons Publishers ISBN 0-7225-0445-4 (32202/01/01)
  4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.5 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (32202/01/01)
  5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.4 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (32202/01/01)
  6. ? 6.06.16.2 Vilmorin. A. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press ISBN 0-89815-041-8 ()
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (32202/01/01)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (32202/01/01)
  9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.59.69.79.8 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (32202/01/01)
  10. ? 10.0010.0110.0210.0310.0410.0510.0610.0710.0810.0910.10 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (32202/01/01)
  11. ? 11.011.1 Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press ISBN 0192176218 (32202/01/01)
  12. ? 12.012.112.212.312.4 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (32202/01/01)
  13. ? 13.013.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
  14. ? 14.014.1 Westwood. C. Aromatherapy - A guide for home use. Amberwood Publishing Ltd ISBN 0-9517723-0-9 (32202/01/01)
  15. ? 15.015.115.215.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (32202/01/01)
  16. ? Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (32202/01/01)
  17. ? 17.017.1 Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (32202/01/01)
  18. ? Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn (32202/01/01)
  19. ? 19.019.1 Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent ISBN 0460045512 (32202/01/01)
  20. ? 20.020.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (32202/01/01)
  21. ? Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (32202/01/01)
  22. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (32202/01/01)
  23. ? Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden. ()
  24. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-50




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Facts about "Melissa officinalis"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyLabiatae +
Belongs to genusMelissa +
Has common nameLemon Balm +
Has drought toleranceTolerant +
Has edible partUnknown part + and Leaves +
Has edible useSeasoning +, Unknown use + and Tea +
Has environmental toleranceDrought +
Has fertility typeBee +
Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
Has hardiness zone4 +
Has imageMelissa officinalis1.jpg +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has material partUnknown part +
Has material useEssential +, Pot-pourri + and Repellent +
Has mature height0.7 +
Has mature width0.4 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAntibacterial +, Antispasmodic +, Antiviral +, Aromatherapy +, Carminative +, Diaphoretic +, Digestive +, Emmenagogue +, Febrifuge +, Sedative + and Tonic +
Has primary imageMelissa officinalis1.jpg +
Has search namemelissa officinalis + and x +
Has shade toleranceLight shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomy nameMelissa officinalis +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +