Herbs in history: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Today, I’m excited to talk to you about the fascinating history of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis). This aromatic herb has been cherished for over 2,000 years—not just for its delightful lemony scent but also for its amazing medicinal and culinary uses.

Ancient Origins and Etymology
Lemon Balm has its roots in the eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia. The name “Melissa” comes from the Greek word for “honeybee,” this makes perfect sense because the plant when it flowers is a bee magnet!

Ancient Greeks believed that if you had Lemon Balm growing near your beehives, the bees would never leave. They even rubbed hives with its leaves to attract these buzzing beauties. The term “balm” comes from the Greek word “balsamon,” meaning an oily, sweet-smelling resin.

Historical Uses Across Cultures:
Greek and Roman Times
In ancient Greece and Rome, Lemon Balm was a go-to herb for calming the mind and uplifting spirits. Dioscorides, a Greek physician, wrote about its use for treating scorpion stings and dog bites when mixed with wine—imagine that!

The Romans loved it too, using it to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Sound familiar? It’s what we do today when we brew a cup of Lemon Balm tea after a long day.

Medieval Europe
Moving forward to the Middle Ages, and Lemon Balm was thriving in monastic gardens across Europe. Monks cultivated it not just for its medicinal properties but also as a strewing herb to clean floors! One of its most famous uses during this time was in Carmelite Water, a tonic believed to relieve nervous headaches and promote longevity. The Persian physician Avicenna recommended it for heart disorders and melancholy, showing just how respected this herb was in medieval medicine.

Renaissance and Beyond
During the Renaissance, Lemon Balm really came into its own. Paracelsus, a well-known Swiss physician, called it an “elixir of life,” believing it could rejuvenate the body and extend life. John Gerard, an English botanist from the 1590s, praised Lemon Balm for attracting bees and considered it essential in any herbal garden. It’s lovely to think that people have appreciated this plant’s benefits for so long!

Introduction to North America
Due to its many benefits and uses, Lemon Balm made its way across the Atlantic with early European colonists who brought it to North America. Thomas Jefferson even grew it in his gardens at Monticello! Early settlers found all sorts of uses for it—like substituting it for lemons in jams and jellies or using it to make potpourri. It’s amazing how versatile this herb has always been!

Modern Uses 
Fast forward to today, and Lemon Balm is still highly valued for its therapeutic properties. It’s known for being antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and mood-elevating—all fantastic qualities! We use it in teas to help soothe anxiety or improve sleep quality. Plus, its essential oils are popular in cosmetics and skin cleansers thanks to their lovely fragrance and antimicrobial properties.

Conclusion
The rich history of Lemon Balm really highlights why this herb has remained beloved across cultures for centuries. From ancient Greece our little permaculture farm, its soothing properties and delightful aroma continue to enchant us all. As I tend to my Lemon Balm plants each day, I feel connected to this long tradition of herbal wisdom—a reminder of how timeless this remarkable plant truly is.

To try our delicious, organic Lemon Balm and feel this connection for yourself, click the link below and order today:

Lemon Balm Tincture