Every year the Herb Society of America selects an herb of the year. Possible choices are evaluated based on being outstanding in at least two of three major categories: medicinal, culinary or decorative.
The 2007 Herb of the Year selection is lemon balm, Melissa officinalis. Past selections have included oregano, echinacea, garlic, sage, rosemary and lavender.
Lemon balm grows throughout the world and is a perennial plant of the mint family. Like most plants in the mint family, it is easy to grow. It grows readily from seed and germinates better if the seeds are soaked overnight and are not covered when planted. You will find out how easily it grows from seed if you let it flower and set seed. The next year you will have many little lemon balm plants surrounding your main plant. Plants can also be propagated by division in spring or by cuttings taken in spring or summer.
The plant grows to about a foot tall and can be kept tidy by trimming it back a few times a year. It dies to the ground in winter. It grows best in full sunlight but will survive in shade. It needs well-drained soil.
Lemon balm has pretty light green heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges. Their lemon-scented perfume attracts bees but repels other insects. The small flowers, which are not a reason to grow the plant, are half-inch long white tubular flowers that bloom from July to September.
Like most herbs, lemon balm is susceptible to very few diseases. The only problem it may have is powdery mildew. To avoid this, allow space around the plant for air to freely circulate. Remove any mildewed stems as soon as you notice it and cut the plant back in fall to a couple inches tall.
Leaves can be picked for fresh use anytime, being careful to avoid bruising. For drying, harvest in late summer when the essential oils are most concentrated. Hang upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated place or dry on a tray or screen. Keep dried leaves in an airtight container in a cool place.
Lemon balm is good in green and fruit salads, white sauces for fish, omelets, sauerkraut, casseroles, marinated vegetables, chicken salads, stuffing, poultry, pork, jelly, custards, fruit drinks, white wine punches and hot and cold teas. Place a sprig in a bottle of water or a few sprigs in a pitcher of water and place in the refrigerator for a day or so for a refreshingly cool lemon-flavored drink.
Lemon balm has a few medicinal uses. It makes a pleasant and relaxing tea that is good for settling the stomach and calming the nerves. Herbalists recommend it for nervous tension, heartburn, colds, headaches and depression.
The leaf can be infused as a facial steam, added to bathwater, and as a rinse for oily hair. Fresh leaves applied directly to insect bites relieve itchiness.
Dried leaves can be used in sachets to freshen drawers or in potpourri.
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