Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) herb cut and sifted -Bulk.

All of our bulk herbs are organic when available, otherwise herbs are wildcrafted and responsibly sourced.

Available in either increments of 2 oz or save 20% when you purchase a pound.

SUGGESTED USE:

Make an infusion using 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Steep 15 minutes, covered. Strain. Dose: 1-2 cups of the infusion (tea) 1-2 times per day as needed.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

None known.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

Melissa, the genus name, derives from the Greek "melisso-phyllum", meaning "bee leaf," in reference to the flower being a favorite of bees. The species name, officinalis, is Latin and means that the plant has long been an official herb of the apothecaries.   

Lemon Balm, a perennial native to Europe but widely cultivated in North America, prefers to grow in disturbed areas and open woods. The plant grows to about 2 feet in height and has a four-sided stem. Its lemon-scented leaves are opposite, oval, pointed, and round-toothed. The light yellow, white, or lavender flowers are borne on auxiliary stems. The herb thrives in full sun to partial shade, needs only moderate watering, and prefers well-drained soil. Bees love it; growing Lemon Balm in the garden will help attract them to the garden. Lemon Balm will also repel many pests from the garden.

Lemon Balm is certainly edible. The chopped leaves are used to season many dishes and as a garnish. The dried leaves are not as flavorful as the fresh, so use the fresh plant whenever possible. The tea made from the fresh leaves is flavorful and refreshing, with a lemon scent. The herb can be steeped for ten minutes or longer, as it does not become bitter with longer steeping. Lemon Balm tea is lovely hot or iced and is suitable for daily use. It goes well with the addition of mint or a squeeze of lime.

Lemon Balm is used to make Eau des Carmes, a reviving wine made by the Carmelites and dating from the seventeenth century. It was once used as a strewing herb. The leaves are rubbed on wood to produce a lovely shine. Beekeepers rub Lemon Balm inside hives to attract new bees and keep established ones home.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease