Complete Gardening
If you’re looking for a plant that does it all—easy to grow, smells amazing, and serves up a whole lot of benefits—lemon balm is the one.
Whether it’s calming your nerves, boosting your meals, or even keeping mosquitoes away, this herb brings its A-game.
So, grab a patch of soil and let me give you 12 solid reasons why lemon balm deserves a spot in your garden, like, right now.
1. It’s Foolproof to Grow
First up, lemon balm is a no-fail plant. If you’re the kind of person who forgets to water or just doesn’t have the greenest thumb, no worries—lemon balm will forgive you.
This herb grows like a champ in well-drained soil and loves soaking up the sun, but it can handle a little shade, too. And once it’s established, you don’t need to fuss over it much.
Heck, it might even spread out on you if you don’t trim it back now and then. It’s that easy to grow. So whether you’ve got a backyard or just a little container garden, lemon balm’s ready to take root and thrive.
2. Bees Will Love You
Now, I know we’ve got some bee fans out there (myself included), and you’re in luck. Lemon balm is a bee magnet. In fact, its Latin name, Melissa, means “honey bee.”
It’s like candy to our buzzing buddies, which is a win for your garden, especially if you’ve got fruits and veggies that need pollinating.
Trust me, plant a little lemon balm, and you’ll have bees buzzing around in no time, doing their part to keep your garden thriving.
3. A Natural Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes can make an evening on the porch a lot less enjoyable. That’s where lemon balm comes in.
It’s got citronellal, the same stuff found in citronella plants, which means it’s a natural mosquito repellent. Just rub a couple of leaves between your fingers and apply it to your skin—instant bug protection!
No chemicals, no sprays, just you and your homegrown solution. Plus, it smells way better than bug spray!
4. It’s a Stress-Buster
Let’s face it, life gets busy, and we could all use a little chill time. Lemon balm is a natural stress-reliever.
Whether you’re winding down after a long day or just need a moment of calm, this plant’s got you covered. Brew up a cup of lemon balm tea and take a deep breath.
The soothing aroma and calming properties will help take the edge off. It’s like nature’s way of telling you, “Relax, you’ve earned it.”
5. Better Sleep, Naturally
Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Lemon balm’s here to help. It’s known for promoting relaxation and helping you drift off more easily.
Pair it with some chamomile, and you’ve got yourself a bedtime tea that’s as effective as it is tasty.
No need for sleep aids—just a cozy cup of lemon balm tea before bed and you’ll be sleeping like a baby in no time.
6. Great for Digestion
If you’ve ever felt that post-meal discomfort (and who hasn’t after a big dinner?), lemon balm can come to the rescue. It’s been used for centuries to soothe upset stomachs, ease indigestion, and reduce bloating.
Brew up a quick tea after your meal, and you’ll feel the relief almost immediately. It’s a simple, natural solution for those times when your digestive system needs a little help.
7. Kid-Friendly Herb
If you’ve got kids, this one’s for you. Lemon balm is one of those herbs that’s gentle enough for children.
Whether they’re a little restless at bedtime or need a mild remedy for tummy troubles, lemon balm’s got your back. You can brew a mild tea for them, or even use it for colicky babies.
Trust me, having a plant on hand that helps calm the little ones is worth its weight in gold.
8. Natural Antiviral Powerhouse
Lemon balm’s not just a pretty face in the garden; it’s got some serious medicinal benefits, too. It’s packed with antiviral properties, making it especially useful against cold sores and other viral infections.
Got a cold sore coming on? Apply some lemon balm extract, and it’ll heal faster. Add it to your arsenal of home remedies, and you’ll be ready for whatever the season throws your way.
9. Adds Flavor to Your Favorite Dishes
Now, let’s talk about how versatile lemon balm is in the kitchen. If you like to cook, you’re going to love this herb. It’s got a subtle, lemony flavor that brightens up all kinds of dishes—think salads, marinades, and even baked goods.
Throw a few chopped leaves into your salad for a burst of freshness, or add them to a marinade for chicken or fish. And if you’re a fan of making your own jams, try tossing in some lemon balm—it’s a game changer.
10. Make Your Drinks Sing
Lemon balm isn’t just good in food—it’s perfect for drinks, too. Hot or cold, lemon balm can liven up just about any beverage.
Add it to iced tea, lemonade, or even cocktails for a refreshing twist. Or, go old school and infuse honey with lemon balm leaves for a sweet, flavorful addition to your evening tea. Bonus: it’s delicious and relaxing at the same time.
11. DIY Bath and Body Products
If you’re into homemade bath products, lemon balm is about to become your new best friend. This herb is fantastic for skin care—it’s soothing, smells great, and even has antibacterial properties.
You can use it to make everything from bath soaks to salves and lotions. For a simple, relaxing bath, toss in some lemon balm leaves or make an infused oil to rub on your skin post-bath. It’s a spa experience right from your garden!
12. Perfect Companion Plant for the Garden
Last but definitely not least, lemon balm is a rockstar when it comes to companion planting.
Not only does it attract beneficial insects like bees, but it also helps keep away pests that you don’t want around your garden, like aphids and mosquitoes.
Plant it near your veggies or other herbs, and it’ll act as a natural protector. Plus, it makes your garden smell fantastic—bonus points for that!
Look, I get it—adding another plant to your garden might not be on your to-do list, but let me tell you, lemon balm is worth it.
From its easy-growing nature to its many health and culinary benefits, this herb pulls double (maybe even triple) duty.
Whether you’re in it for the tea, the natural bug repellent, or just because it smells so darn good, lemon balm is a plant you’ll be glad you grew.
So go ahead, plant some lemon balm, and thank me later when you’re sipping on a fresh lemon balm cocktail or enjoying a bug-free evening outside.