Lemon balm is an herb native to Europe and the Mediterranean but just as popular in the rest of the world. It has provided medicinal benefits for centuries to people and continues to do so today. There is evidence that it has been cultivated since the sixteenth century and used in a variety of ways to improve overall health.
Benefits of Lemon Balm
Keeping lemon balm in your herb garden is probably a good idea as it is a beautiful ornamental plant alone. It can also help attract bees for honey if you are so inclined to keep them. Lemon balm has not officially been documented in a variety of ways, but it has been used nonetheless for improving the condition of many ailments.
How to Grow Lemon Balm
Lemon balm grows quite vigorously so it is important to keep it under control and in an environment where it will be closely tended. It will take over a garden and kill out other plants if not controlled.
Lemon balm thrives in containers, in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and plant in full sun. These conditions will give the best chance for health to this herbaceous plant.
Uses for Lemon Balm
Lemon balm can be used in aromatherapy and perfumes. It is often the main ingredient in a lot of the popular fragrances. It is also a great addition to some natural toothpastes. Lemon balm can be used as an herbal tea and will aid in the treatment of certain gastrointestinal disorders and improving liver function.
It is an excellent topical treatment for the symptoms of herpes, although not a permanent cure. Lemon balm can be used to treat premenstrual symptoms as well as help to improve sleep. Probably one of its most important qualities is its antiseptic nature.
One of the most recent studies on lemon balm done in 2014 found that it was an excellent guard against free radical damage. It caused instant cell death when introduced to a specific cancer cell that begins in the brain called glioblastoma multiforme.
There have also been studies done where the spontaneous cancer cell death called apoptosis occurred in specific types of leukemia, liver, breast and colorectal cancers. It is truly an amazing herb with potential life-saving qualities.
Lemon balm is a wonderful addition to any garden just for its appearance alone. Adding it to your medicine chest may not be a bad idea either.