Lemon Balm

How to grow:
Lemon balm is very hardy ~ it can be grown from cuttungs, seeds or divisions in full sun, part shade or full shade. Watch it though...it can really take over your garden if it's not kept clipped in it's own section.

Prune:
Cut it down to desired size each spring or divide it and plant the division or give it as a gift! To promote strong growth, cut down to soil level in the fall.

How to harvest for use:
pick off it's leaves & use fresh ~ you can use them dry but they lose a bit of flavor in the drying process. Flavor is best when it's white flowers begin to bloom.

Specific Uses:
potpourri, scented bath, tea (and other drinks), addition to green or fruit salad, garnish for fish/chicken, good substitute for lemon peel in recipes, helps fevers, digestion, and tension headaches ~ it's aromatherapy is used for depression, melancholy, and nervous tension ~ it has also been effective in relieving symptoms of herpes, sores, and swellings and is said to have memory-improving properties.