Lemon balm and self-heal – medicinal herbs for every garden

Lemon Balm and Chamomile – Medicinal Herbs for Every Garden

Lemon balm and chamomile are among the oldest and most effective medicinal herbs in the European tradition. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) with its characteristic lemony aroma calms the nervous system and helps with insomnia, while true chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) with its delicate apple scent is used for stomach pain, skin problems, and colds. Both herbs are undemanding to grow, self-seeding, and enrich any garden both aesthetically and functionally. You'll find seeds of both herbs in the Lemon Balm and Chamomile sections on Pestik.cz.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Basic Characteristics

Lemon balm is a vigorous-growing perennial from the mint family, related to mint and sage. Its leaves smell intensely of lemon – hence the alternative names "lemon mint" or "bee herb" (Melissa = bee in Greek). Thanks to its cold hardiness down to -20 °C, it's a reliable garden fixture for many years.

• Type: Perennial
• Height: 40–80 cm
• Flowers: Small, white to pale yellow, July–August
• Scent: Intensely lemony (fresh leaves)
• Cold hardiness: Excellent (-20 °C and below)
• Lifespan: 5–10+ years

Growing Lemon Balm

Location

• Light: Partial shade to full sun. In partial shade, lemon balm grows more vigorously with deeper green foliage; in full sun, the aroma is typically more intense.
• Soil: Any garden soil with adequate moisture. Lemon balm is undemanding and thrives almost everywhere.
• pH: 5.5–7.5 (tolerant)

Sowing

• Timing: March–April (seed trays on windowsill) or May directly outdoors
• Depth: Surface sowing – seeds germinate in light, just press lightly
• Germination temperature: 18–22 °C
• Germination time: 10–21 days (slow and uneven)
• Note: Sowing from seed is reliable but slow – full size is reached only in the second year. For quicker results, choose clump division or cuttings.

Clump Division

The easiest propagation method:
1. In spring or fall, dig up the entire clump
2. Divide into 3–5 sections, each with roots and shoots
3. Plant in new location (spacing 40–50 cm)
4. Water thoroughly and keep moist until established

Cuttings

1. In June–July, cut 10–15 cm young shoots
2. Remove lower leaves
3. Root in water (5–7 days) or perlite
4. After roots form, transplant to permanent location

Watering and Feeding

• Watering: Regular – lemon balm prefers moist soil but tolerates short dry periods
• Feeding: Compost worked in during spring is sufficient. Liquid fertilizers aren't necessary; excess nitrogen reduces the essential oil content in leaves.

Controlling Lemon Balm Spread

Lemon balm spreads aggressively through self-seeding. A single plant produces thousands of seeds that germinate throughout the area. Within 2–3 years, lemon balm can colonize an entire bed.

Prevention:
1. Remove flower stems before seeds mature – most effective and easiest method
2. Cut the entire plant before flowering (June–July) – you'll get a harvest while preventing self-seeding
3. Grow in pots – safe option for small gardens and balconies
4. Regularly pull seedlings – monitor in spring when last year's seeds germinate

Note: Unlike mint, lemon balm doesn't spread through underground runners – only by self-seeding. It's therefore easier to control.

Harvesting Lemon Balm

When to Harvest

• Before flowering (June–early July) – leaves contain the highest concentration of essential oils
• A second, weaker harvest is possible in September after regrowth
• Harvest in the morning after dew dries, when the essential oil content is highest

How to Harvest

• Cut entire stems 10 cm above ground
• Plant regrows in 3–4 weeks
• You can harvest 2–3 times per season
• Pick individual leaves continuously as needed

Drying and Storage

Drying for Tea

1. Tie stems into small bundles
2. Hang upside down in a dark, airy space
3. Dry quickly – lemon balm easily browns and loses aroma
4. Optimal temperature 25–35 °C, away from direct sun
5. After drying (3–7 days), strip leaves from stems
6. Store in a dark, airtight container – keeps 6–12 months

Important: Lemon balm loses some lemony aroma when dried. For maximum flavor, use fresh leaves or frozen.

Freezing

• Chop fresh leaves and freeze flat in a bag
• Or freeze in ice cube trays with water – add directly to beverages
• Freezing preserves flavor and aroma better than drying

Lemon Balm Syrup

Pour hot sugar syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar and water) over a handful of fresh leaves, let steep 30 minutes and strain. Keeps 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Excellent in lemonades, cocktails, or as a topping for pancakes.

Medicinal Uses of Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is one of the most researched medicinal herbs with clinically proven effects:

Calming and Sleep

• Anxiolytic effects: Clinical studies confirm that lemon balm extract reduces anxiety and improves mood
• Insomnia: Lemon balm tea before bed – both a traditional and scientifically supported remedy
• Combination with hops or lemon balm – strengthens the sedative effect, suitable for persistent insomnia

Antiviral Effects

• Herpes infections (herpes simplex): Topical application of lemon balm extract clinically shortens healing time and reduces symptoms
• Creams with melissa extract are commonly available in pharmacies

Digestion

• Alleviates bloating, cramping, and nausea
• Tea after meals supports digestion and relaxes the smooth muscle of the digestive tract

Cognitive Function

• Studies suggest improved memory and concentration with regular use
• Used in aromatherapy to improve mood and reduce mental fatigue

Lemon Balm in the Kitchen

True Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Basic Characteristics

Chamomile is an annual with delicate white "daisy-like" flowers and a mild apple scent (the name chamomilla comes from Greek – "earth apple"). It's one of the most used medicinal herbs in the world, with its therapeutic effects supported by extensive scientific research.

• Type: Annual (self-seeding – sow once, have it forever)
• Height: 30–60 cm
• Flowers: White ray flowers around a yellow conical center
• Scent: Apple-like, sweet, honey-bearing
• Germination: 7–14 days

German vs. Roman Chamomile

There are two main types of chamomile – distinguishing them is essential for medicinal use:

Tip: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the one you want for medicinal purposes and tea blends. Identify it by the hollow flower center – cut the flower in half and the center is empty. This feature is a reliable identification marker.

Growing Chamomile

Sowing

Chamomile is one of the easiest herbs to grow:

1. Timing: April–May directly outdoors (or March on windowsill)
2. Depth: Surface sowing – seeds germinate in light! Only press lightly into soil.
3. Soil: Any garden soil, even poor. Chamomile flowers more intensely in poor soil.
4. Location: Full sun
5. Spacing: Rows 25–30 cm apart, 15–20 cm within rows (or scattered)
6. Germination: 7–14 days

Self-Seeding – Once and Forever

After the first season, let some plants mature and drop seeds. The following year, they'll grow back on their own – and the same every subsequent year. Chamomile is the ideal self-sustaining herb in this regard. To limit self-seeding, harvest flowers diligently before they mature.

Watering and Feeding

• Watering: Moderate – chamomile tolerates mild drought, water during prolonged heat
• Feeding: None needed. Fertilizing promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowering.

Maintenance

Chamomile is virtually maintenance-free – it requires no pruning or shaping. Your only regular task is harvesting flowers and possibly limiting self-seeding.

Harvesting Chamomile

What to Harvest

Harvest the flower heads – they contain all the medicinal substances including chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol.

When to Harvest

• When flowers are fully open – white ray flowers spread horizontally and the yellow center is domed (convex)
• Don't harvest too early (flowers not yet fully open) or too late (white petals curve downward – flower is past peak and active ingredient content drops)
• Harvest in the morning after dew dries

How to Harvest

• By hand: Cut or pick flower heads without stems
• Chamomile comb: Special tool for bulk harvest – pull through plants to catch ripe flowers
• Harvest every 2–3 days – plants form new flowers continuously throughout the season

Drying Chamomile

Proper drying is key to preserving medicinal effects:

1. Lay flower heads in a thin layer on clean cloth, paper, or screen
2. Dry in a shady, airy space (NOT direct sun)
3. Temperature 25–35 °C (dehydrator: max 40 °C)
4. Drying time: 3–7 days in air, 2–4 hours in dehydrator
5. Dry flowers have a papery, crisp feel and retain their shape
6. Store in dark, airtight containers – glass, tin, or ceramic
7. Shelf life: 1–2 years (after a year, active ingredient content gradually decreases)

Important: Don't dry in direct sun and don't exceed recommended temperature – direct sun and high heat decompose essential oils, particularly chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol.

Medicinal Uses of Chamomile

Chamomile is among the most researched medicinal herbs with extensive scientific evidence:

Digestion

• Alleviates bloating, intestinal cramping, diarrhea, and nausea
• Chamomile tea after meals is a classic and scientifically supported digestive remedy
• Helps with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Calming and Sleep

• Mild sedative effects – tea before bed improves sleep quality
• The effect is gentler than lemon balm or passionflower, but safe for long-term use
• Safe for children (from 6 months in low concentration)

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

• Skin: Compresses for eczema, burns, minor wounds, and acne
• Eyes: Compresses for conjunctivitis inflammation – redness and swelling
• Mouth: Rinse for gum inflammation and mouth sores

Colds

• Inhalation: Steep a handful of dried flowers in hot water and inhale vapor under a towel – opens airways
• Tea: A warming drink – suitable for fever and colds

Cosmetic Use

• Hair lightening: Strong chamomile decoction as a final rinse naturally lightens blonde hair
• Facial tonic: Chamomile decoction cleanses, soothes, and has anti-inflammatory properties
• Bath: A handful of dried flowers added to bath water soothes skin and mind

Chamomile in the Kitchen

Lemon Balm and Chamomile as Companion Plants

Both herbs play important roles in the garden ecosystem that extend beyond their medicinal and culinary uses:

Lemon Balm

• Attracts bees – the name Melissa = bee. Bees genuinely love lemon balm and visit it intensively throughout the flowering period.
• Repels mosquitoes – rubbing crushed leaves on skin repels mosquitoes (studies confirm 60–80% effectiveness)
• Good neighbors: Tomatoes (attracts pollinators), fruit trees, and any crops requiring pollination

Chamomile

• "Garden doctor" – traditional name among gardeners. Chamomile planted next to struggling plants supposedly improves their vitality (historical observation confirmed by modern gardeners).
• Attracts beneficial insects – hoverflies, lacewings, and ground beetles (natural predators of aphids)
• Good neighbors: Cabbage, onions, cucumbers – improves their growth and flavor
• Bad neighbors: Practically none – chamomile is universally tolerant

Comparison of Lemon Balm and Chamomile

Tea Blends with Lemon Balm and Chamomile

Both herbs combine beautifully – with each other and with other herbs:

Seasonal Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I prevent lemon balm from taking over the garden?

The key is removing flower stems before seeds mature. Cut the plant in June before flowering – you'll get a leaf harvest while preventing self-seeding. Alternatively, grow in pots where spread is completely controlled.

Is chamomile tea safe for children?

Yes – chamomile is among the few herbs safe even for small children (from 6 months). Use a weaker concentration (1/2 teaspoon per cup) and serve lukewarm tea. It helps with colic, restlessness, and insomnia.

Can I harvest chamomile from wild meadows?

Harvest only if you're 100% certain of identification. True chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has a hollow flower center. It's easily confused with corn chamomile or ox-eye daisy, which are either ineffective or unpleasant. Safer to grow from verified seeds.

How do I tell German and Roman chamomile apart?

German (true) chamomile: annual, taller (30–60 cm), hollow flower center (cut the flower in half). Roman chamomile: perennial, shorter (10–30 cm), solid flower center. For medicinal purposes and tea blends, only German chamomile is recommended.

How long does lemon balm take to fill in?

Lemon balm from clump division establishes within 2–3 weeks and grows to full size in one season. Seed-grown plants grow more slowly – reaching full size only in the second year. Once established, the perennial lasts 5–10 years and gradually expands into larger clumps.

Sources

• RHS – Growing Lemon Balm
• RHS – Growing Chamomile
• The Old Farmer's Almanac – Chamomile
• NCCIH – Chamomile
• Examine.com – Melissa officinalis
• Bylinky pro všechny – Medunka
• Bylinky pro všechny – Heřmánek
• Pestik.cz – Lemon Balm
• Pestik.cz – Chamomile