Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. Lemon balm has traditionally been used to improve mood, digestive tract and cognitive function.
Lemon Balm is used in traditional medicine as both a sleep aid and digestive tonic. It can be consumed as a tea, taken as a supplement or extract, or applied to the skin in balms and lotions. Lemon Balm essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy, where it helps to promote calmness and ease stress.
In foods and beverages, the extract and oil of lemon balm are used for flavouring, and also to make teas, marinate chicken or fish, or flavour baked foods and jams.
