Count Down to Herb Day - A Lemony Look at the Past

Each year, the International Herb Association select an herb that is outstanding in at least two of three categories: decorative, medicinal, and culinary. This years perfect choice was Calendula, one of my all time favorite herbs, which I've highlighted previously here. I use a lot of calendula in our Celtic Chairde Creations products, around the house for decoration, and even in cooking. But what about choices from previous years? Well, last year was another of my favorites.

Sweet Melissa. Melissa officinalis that is. That's the official name for Lemon Balm. This happens to be one of my very favorite herbs. It's easy to grow, and has so many uses.


Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family. As such, it can be a prolific grower in your garden, spreading its pretty leaves and lemony scent to places you may not want it to be. To help keep it from traveling, plant it in a festive and sturdy container. Another advantage to this is that you can bring the container in when the weather starts to turn chilly. You can then enjoy the calming scent all year round.

Use this versatile herb in the kitchen to add a light citrus note to salads, teas, or chicken and fish dishes. Add Lemon Balm last when cooking, as it's flavor dissipates tremendously when heated. It's a perfect compliment to tea, either on it's own or as that little lemon burst in regular tea.

The aroma of lemon balm provides a calming effect, while revitalizing the inner spirit. For skin care, it acts as an insect repellent. Bit already - chew on a leaf a bit to mash it up and rub it on the bite area and sweet melissa will help calm that buggy nibble. It is also a wonderful hair rinse, freshening your hair without stripping out the oils. We use lemon balm in our Mela Tae - Lemon Bright Hair Rinse. Combined with nettles and chamomile and other herbs, this tea makes a refreshing and brightening rinse for tired hair.

The article in the Herb Companion can give you lots of information about the 2007 Herb of the Year.

If you are lucky enough to already have Lemon Balm growing in your garden - just brush your hands through the leaves and take in the lovely, lemony fragrance. Despite the nippy weather, you'll be reminded of a wonderful summer day.