Common Name: Lemon Balm
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis, better known as Lemon Balm, is a perennial herb in the mint family. Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, it’s widely appreciated for its lemon-scented leaves.
Medicinally, Lemon Balm is used for its calming effects to ease stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It’s also effective in treating digestive issues and is used in herbal teas for its soothing properties.
In beauty, Lemon Balm extracts are used in skincare for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making them suitable for treating acne and soothing sensitive skin.
An interesting fact about Lemon Balm is that it was historically used to attract and keep honeybees in hives, hence the genus name Melissa, which is Greek for ‘honeybee’.
