In this article we will discuss lemon balm, an herb with a refreshing citrus scent.
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Lemon Balm Characteristics
Merissa officinalis
A type of mint with a fresh lemony scent, it is also known as Melissa and as Bee Balm because it attracts bees.
Merissa is derived from the Latin word for bee and from Melisseus, the daughter of the Cretan king in ancient Greek mythology.
The word offichinalis means “medicinal”.
Main ingredients of Lemon Balm
Citronellal Geranial
It is the source of the scent reminiscent of citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons and is found in many herbs.
It is found in many herbs and has a calming and soothing effect and a carminative effect on the stomach.
Various uses of Lemon Balm
Merissa officinalis
Cooking
It can be used to decorate sweets and cold pastries.
Cultivation
As a member of the mint family, it is very vigorous and suitable for beginners.
It is recommended to plant it in pots. Be careful not to plant it in the garden, as it will overgrow.
History
From the time of the ancient Greeks, about 2000 years ago, this herb was cultivated as a dense source of plants and bees were raised.
At that time, the only sweetener was honey, and the honey made from Melissa was particularly tasty.
It is also mentioned as a medicinal plant in the “Pharmacopoeia” of the botanist Dios Collides.
In medieval Europe, the Swiss physician and alchemist “Paracelsus” called it the elixir of rejuvenation, the elixir of immortality.
In the 17th century, the Carmel monastery made a liqueur based on melissa with several herbs, “Melissa water of Carmel”, which became widely known.
Postscript
In this article we have explained about Melissa, or Lemon Balm.
I would like to encourage many people who are under daily stress to try growing lemon balm.
The greenery alone is soothing, the scent is pleasant to rub in your hands, it is delicious to drink and can be used in baking.
As I mentioned earlier, it’s a very easy herb to grow, even for beginners, so if you see it in a home improvement store, why not try growing it?
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