Herb Collection
Lots of Sweet Nectar from Lemon Balm
Another bee favorite
Gardeners since Ancient Greece grew lemon balm and believed it kept the bees close. With copious nectar and a lemony scent, it smells heavenly. Its genus comes from the Greek word for “honey bee.”
Balm means balsam, or a sweet, oily resin. Melissa demonstrates antimicrobial activity. So, folk practitioners long dress wounds with it.
Likewise, botanists across history attest to bee balm’s ability to lift spirits and alleviate depression. For example, 11th-century Arabic physician Avicenna once said it “causeth the mind and heart to become merry.”
Nomenclature: Melissa officinalis
Tastes: Lemon, mint
Uses: Candy, fish, folk medicine, ice cream, nectar, perfume, pesto, salad, tea, toothpaste
Origin: North Africa/Iran
Recipe: Lemon Balm Butter
Ingredients: Butter with basil, chives, garlic, lemon balm, mint, parsley, oregano, or rosemary. See link.
