Lemon Balm Leaf (Melissa officinalis) — Bulk Dried Herb
Lemon Balm Leaf (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon Balm is one of the most beloved and universally cherished botanicals in the Western herbal tradition — a gentle, lemon-scented perennial of the mint family whose bright, uplifting fragrance and mild, pleasant flavor have made it a staple of cottage gardens, monastery gardens, and kitchen herb gardens across Europe for over two thousand years. Known as the “elixir of life” by the 11th century Arab physician Avicenna, Lemon Balm has been associated with joy, longevity, and the calming of the nervous system since antiquity.
Our Lemon Balm leaf is certified organic, cut and sifted to preserve its delicate essential oils and aromatic character.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
- Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
- Common Names: Lemon Balm, Balm, Melissa, Sweet Balm, Bee Balm, Heart’s Delight, Honey Plant
- Plant Part Used: Leaf
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Mediterranean Europe / Western Asia
- Appearance: Dried green to pale green leaf pieces with a wrinkled texture
- Aroma: Bright, clean lemon fragrance, slightly floral, mildly minty
- Flavor Profile: Mild, pleasant lemon flavor, slightly sweet, gently bitter
About the Plant
Native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, Melissa officinalis has been cultivated across Europe for over two thousand years and has naturalized in parts of North America and Australia. It is a perennial herb that grows to about 90 cm in height, producing oval, toothed leaves with a distinctive lemon fragrance and small white to pale yellow flowers that are highly attractive to bees — hence the genus name Melissa, from the Greek word for honeybee. The plant spreads readily by seed and rhizome and can become quite vigorous in the garden. Its essential oil is dominated by citral, citronellal, and linalool, which give it its characteristic lemon fragrance. Lemon Balm was cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who planted it near beehives to encourage bees to return, and was one of the most important plants in medieval European monastery gardens.
Traditional Context
Lemon Balm has been documented in Western botanical literature since the time of Dioscorides and Pliny. It appears in the writings of Avicenna, who called it the “elixir of life,” and in virtually every major European herbal from the medieval period onward. It was a primary ingredient in Carmelite Water — a famous 14th century preparation made by Carmelite nuns — and in numerous traditional European cordials and liqueurs. It was used extensively in medieval European monastic medicine and remains one of the most widely used nervine botanicals in contemporary Western herbalism.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaf in hot water for 5–10 minutes for a bright, calming tea
- Cold Infusions: Steep in cold water for a refreshing summer drink
- Tinctures: Well-suited for alcohol or glycerin extraction
- Culinary: Add to salads, desserts, fish dishes, and fruit preparations
- Herbal Blends: Pairs beautifully with Chamomile, Lavender, Passionflower, and Skullcap in nervine formulas
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place to preserve the volatile essential oils. Properly stored, dried Lemon Balm maintains its quality for 1 year. Fresh is always preferred when available.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for culinary, educational, and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Those with thyroid conditions should consult a healthcare practitioner before use, as Lemon Balm may affect thyroid hormone activity. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.