Lemon Balm in the Garden Bed

The lemon balm plant was known to the ancient Greeks, who dedicated it to the goddess Diana. They used it as a cure-all for sore throats, nausea, and insect bites. According to them, a sprig of lemon balm in a beehive or growing it nearby would attract bees and ensure they never leave. In the 13th century, people believed that regular consumption of lemon balm tea would grant them longevity. Prince Llewelyn of Glamorgan supposedly lived to the impressive age of 108 thanks to lemon balm. Hildegard of Bingen wrote that "binsuga (bee herb) gladdens the heart and has the power of 15 herbs." From the late Middle Ages, lemon balm was also called motherwort, as it served as a remedy in women's medicine. In 1611, Carmelite nuns invented the famous monastic medicine "Carmelite water" - a distillate with the addition of lemon balm, or rather a lemon balm antispasmodic alcoholic distillate.

Lemon balm is a medicinal herb that grows to a height of 30cm - 1m. It is a perennial plant with green serrated opposite leaves with prominent veins that, when crushed, release a fresh lemony scent.

We grow lemon balm from seeds or from clumps of 2-3 year old plants. Lemon balm seeds are sown in a seedbed at 3cm intervals during March; seeds germinate within 25-28 days. Clumps are obtained from mature plants in early spring before the plant begins to sprout, or in autumn until mid-September. Plant lemon balm clumps immediately in the soil to a depth of approximately 10-12cm so they don't dry out and spread faster.

For growing lemon balm, prepare loamy-sandy or sandy soil rich in nutrients. It's suitable for growing in beds as well as in pots. Lemon balm roots grow to a depth of 20-30cm, so choose an appropriate pot size. Lemon balm loves sunny locations but also thrives in partial shade. If we don't have fresh substrate, choose soil after legumes or root vegetables. Lemon balm has a more intense fragrance when exposed to direct sunlight. Plant sufficiently strong seedlings of 5-6cm size in the bed at 60x40cm spacing.

When lemon balm reaches approximately 12-15cm, cut it back to a few centimeters to encourage bushier growth. During the growing season, fertilize lemon balm once every 2 weeks and hoe shallowly, removing weeds. Water during dry periods. Lemon balm flowers grow in whorls and are white to pale blue in color. They bloom from July to August. They produce fruits called nutlets. Among diseases, the plant is affected by lemon balm leaf spot, which appears in rainy years as dark spots on the leaves.

Harvest lemon balm by hand, collecting the aerial parts and leaves just before the plant blooms in June - August, or in September. The first year's harvest is usually small, but in subsequent years you can collect 2-3 harvests annually. Harvest lemon balm in dry and sunny weather, as in wet and cold weather the leaves and aerial parts steam and the herbal mixture loses its fragrance and quality.

For proper drying, ensure air circulation in the room. With very slow drying, the mixture turns brown and deteriorates. Properly dried lemon balm has a green color with a gray tinge, is characterized by a pungent taste and lemon aroma. Store the dried herb in a dry place for a maximum of 1 year.

In our climatic conditions, it may freeze in winter, so it's advisable to cover the plants with conifer branches or non-woven fabric before winter. The older the plant, the lower its frost resistance. Lemon balm can be grown in one place for 8 to 10 years. Similar and related plants include Moldavian dragonhead or catnip.

Lemon balm is most commonly used to flavor dishes, giving them a special characteristic taste. We generally add it to finished dishes, as cooking would cause it to lose its aroma. It's part of various meat marinades (e.g., for preparing lamb), fish dishes, eggs, all types of soups, and vegetable salads and juices. It enriches mushroom dishes and herbal cottage cheese and yogurts.

Store lemon balm by freezing it or preserving it in oil or vinegar.

Effects of lemon balm: Lemon balm contains 0.05-0.33% essential oil, citral, citronellal, geraniol, aldehydes, bitter substances, mucilage, caffeic acid, enzymes, and 4-5% tannins.

Lemon balm has antibacterial and antiviral effects. Lemon balm preparations are used for gastrointestinal disorders not caused by organic diseases, for neurotic sleep disorders, for migraines, for nerve-related heart problems, and as a strengthening agent for colds and flu. It also helps with menstrual cramps and during menopause due to its spasmolytic properties. In phytotherapy, it's used as a remedy for depression, melancholy, insomnia treatment, herpes, and for excessive stress and overwork. Overall, lemon balm stimulates the mind while strengthening body and soul.

The most common preparation is tea and infusion. The daily dose of tea is 4g. Prepare it by pouring 250ml of boiling water over 2-4 teaspoons of fresh lemon balm leaves, cover and let steep for 5 minutes, then strain the mixture. Drink several times a day; for stomach problems, drink one cup before and after meals.