Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family. It gets its name from the strong “lemony” smell of the leaves, which also have a tangy taste to them. If you aren’t currently growing some, here are a few reasons why you should start.
- Ease: Lemon balm is easy to start from seed and once established it needs little care. It can be grown in full sun in areas with mild weather, or in partial shade in hotter climates.
- Anti-viral: Lemon balm can help fight off viral infections.
- Sleep aid: Lemon balm has shown in tests to provide a natural and healthy deeper sleep.
- Antioxidant: Lemon balm contains eugenol, rosmarinic, ferulic, caffeic acids, and quercetin. All of which can help protect your cells against damage by free radicals.
- Brain health: Lemon balm has been linked to improved memory and in animal studies compounds in lemon balm have shown promise in protecting the brain from damage after a stroke.
- Child safe: Don’t go crazy with a child safe sleep aid, but lemon balm has not been shown to be dangerous for children or pregnant women. Though of course if you were to buy a product made from lemon balm it would tell you to consult a doctor so I’ll say the same so I don’t get sued.
- Attracts bees: Bees aren’t doing so good these day. Lemon balm is a favorite food for bees. By planting it in your garden you are not only attracting pollinators that will help your fruiting plants, but you will be helping to strengthen a vital species that is in danger.
So, from detoxifying your system, putting your kids to bed when they don’t feel good, and helping to save the world’s bees, lemon balm can do it all. It’s not a plant that you want to go without in your garden or your medicine cabinet. Start growing some, you won’t regret it.
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