Lemon Balm Fine Herb Botanical in Gin
A calming, antiviral herb that is easy to grow, Lemon Balm has been a garden favorite for centuries. From its beginning as a native plant in the Mediterranean area, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and is now found worldwide.
Its name comes from the Greek word “Melissa,” which means “honey bee.” Lemon Balm attracts bees with its small white flowers and was commonly planted around beehives. The Greeks also rubbed the plant leaves in new hives to entice the bees inside. It is believed that lemon balm contains chemicals similar to bee pheromones.
Medicinal Uses of Lemon Balm
The sedative effects of Lemon Balm have a long tradition in human consumption. Arabs, Greeks, and Europeans were all known to use Lemon Balm in medicinal drinks to ease anxiety and depression. For centuries, the leaves have been used to make a calming tea.
Lemon Balm tea was said to help ease the heart and take away sadness. It has also been used to help with headaches, indigestion, and nausea.
Lemon Balm can also be used externally. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties have been helpful in treating sores and acne. And its scent can be effective as an insect repellent.
Lemon Balm’s long history of health benefits has been backed up by recent studies that show success in treating cold sores and easing depression and anxiety.
How to Grow Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a perennial and can be started from seed. It is easy to grow and will even reseed itself. It typically reaches 2’ to 3’ tall. Lemon Balm will thrive in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil but also tolerates less ideal soil. Full sun is best, but partial shade is okay too. Fragrant Lemon Balm makes a great addition to pathways, borders, and anywhere in the garden where it will attract bees.
Unlike other mint plants, Lemon Balm doesn’t send out runners underground. Instead, the root clumps grow bigger and bigger. In the spring, the root clumps can be divided and replanted. In the fall, and any time you want to encourage new growth, Lemon Balm can be cut back. It doesn’t take much to keep your Lemon Balm plants growing and healthy.
Cautions: Like other herbs, Lemon Balm can potentially interact with medications. Check with a doctor if you are taking a sedative, thyroid medications, or other prescription medications and if you are nursing or pregnant.
Warners Gin Likely crafted with nature
About our Lemon Balm gin
Fresher than fresh. Once we’ve picked the lemon balm on our farm, we’ve got just one hour – ONE HOUR – to get it to the distillery. Who thought this was a good idea?
Seriously good with Mediterranean tonic and a sprig of lemon balm.
Freshly picked, of course.
What’s the story?
Ever heard of the saying ‘What do you do when life gives you lemons?’ pfft.
It should have been ‘What do you do when life gives you Lemon balm, Lemon verbena, Lemon thyme & a whole load of bee pollen?’
Of course the answer is… make gin!
Green in more ways than one, this belter is one of our most self sufficient liquids.
There’s no corner cutting here, just proper commitment to the planet and making the best bloomin’ gin possible.
Not bragging but…
- The Spirits Business Gold 2021
- The Gin Masters Silver (London Dry) 2019, (Contemporary Gin) 2017
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver 2018
- Berlin International Spirits Competition Gold 2018
- International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver 2017
Warners Gin
Lemon Balm vs Mint: Which One Should You Use and Grow?
By Katie Krejci, MS, RD, IFNCP / February 17, 2023
Hello! I’m Katie, MS, RD, IFNCP!
I’ve been homesteading since 2013 and have been a long-time believer in doing things “the old fashioned” way! If you’re ready to learn the art of self-sufficiency, I’m your gal. My goal is to provide practical, experience & research-based information that can be applied anywhere from an acreage to a small city lot. Let’s do this!
Lemon balm vs mint… they look very similar, but they’re actually quite different! They each have their own distinct aromas, taste profiles, uses medicinal properties, and growing habits.
You may be asking:
- Can they be used the same way?
- Do they taste similar?
- Which one has more medicinal value?
I’m about to answer all of your burning questions, so let’s jump in!
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products (including Amazon). I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you! Regardless, I only link to products that I personally use on our homestead or believe in.
Characteristics of Lemon Balm vs Mint
While both lemon balm and mint look like the same plant at a glance, some key differences make them unique from each other in terms of appearance, taste, and aroma.
Appearance
Lemon balm and mint are both members of the Lamiaceae family of plants and share some visual similarities, but there are several key differences in their appearance.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has adorable, heart-shaped leaves that are bright green in color and have a slightly fuzzy texture to them. The leaves are also typically larger and they have a slightly scalloped edge compared to mint leaves.
The stems of lemon balm are square-shaped and are typically green in color, but might have a slight purple tint to them. The plant typically grows to be about 2 to 3 feet tall and has small white or yellow flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.
Mint
Mint, on the other hand, has smaller and more pointed leaves that are a darker shade of green than lemon balm. The leaves are also smoother and more delicate than lemon balm leaves.
The stems of mint are also square-shaped and typically have a green or purplish hue. Mint plants can also grow up to 3 feet tall. They have small, tubular flowers that are usually pink, purple, or white in color, and they bloom in mid to late summer.
Taste
While they may look similar, lemon balm and mint actually taste very different from each other!
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a sweet, lemony flavor with a hint of mint, but more like lemonade. It boasts a mild, delicate taste with a refreshing citrusy aroma.
Mint
Mint, on the other hand, has a strong flavor that is distinctly minty and slightly spicy. It has a cool, crisp, and invigorating flavor with a refreshing aftertaste. Wonderful on a hot day!
