Why You Should Grow Lemon Balm in Your Garden

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is one of the best herbal allies to grow and form a deep relationship with. Join us as clinical herbalist, field botanist, and nutrition educator, Shana Lipner Grover, shares the uses and benefits of lemon balm, and why sometimes the best medicine is just sitting with the plant. She will also teach us about other plants that pair well with lemon balm and how taking it over time helps us to reap the most benefit.
Shana is a clinical herbalist, health and nutrition educator, and field botanist. She was a student of award-winning herbalist Michael Moore and also one of Mountain Rose Herbs' favorite herbalists, Howie Brounstein. Today, she is the director and primary educator of Sage Country Herbs School of Botanical Studies in San Diego, CA.
🤓 You can learn more about Shana by visiting www.SageCountryHerbs.com or by following her on Instagram / sagecountryherbs
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🌿 Learn more ways to use lemon balm (including recipes) here: mrh.life/LemonBalm
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Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world.
#lemonbalm #herbalism

[@thestillroombotanicals2932]

My best friends are the plants. All they ask for is my presence and interest in them, and they give and teach so much. ❤️

[@pandapearl385]

This is so scary. I went out to my garden, picked Lemon balm, put it in a safe place to dry, went to bed, pulled up KZbin, first video in my feed is this. I said nothing about lemon balm. I don't believe in coincidence. Good video, by the way. I love lemon balm. It is my most favorite herb. In 2020 I started a medicinal herb garden, so all of my plants are very well sized now, and give lots of medicine. I make tea out of whatever herb my body feels it needs and I have not needed to visit the doctor since I started using the herbs for tea. I was very sick with autoimmune diseases for 30 years. God, through my beautiful herbs, has healed me.

[@TheFarmerintraining]

Why is that scary?

[@clairemusso3809]

5G can read our thoughts. Do you have wifi or date roaming on?

[@evb1601]

"Sitting next to a plant ... is medicine" Yes ~

[@MyGreenNest]

I just sat in my garden today and prayed. I literally pulled up a chair and cried, prayed and felt comfort there with the plants. ❤

[@lisaalluvial5945]

I never knew that 'officinalis' meant a recognized medicine. Very cool.

[@makeoversbymeme2077]

Me either 🤯

[@spearageddon3279]

Me either! 🤠

[@pamelalc63]

Thank you. Herbs are gifts from God. He gave them for healing. It is written in the Holy Scriptures

[@debcobern312]

Definitely!!!🤗👍💖

[@TommyB4Jesus]

Amen and those that don't believe in the Holy Scriptures don't believe in Jesus Because the Word became flesh whom died for our sins....

[@mjsalome7751]

Amen, healing through God’s pharmacy 💖

[@mailywong9612]

Praise the Lord 🙏❤

[@grinchlette]

Lemon balm got me through grieving my Mom’s death. Completely changed my channel whenever I smelled it. I carried a bottle of the essential oil with me everywhere.

[@humanresetproject]

beautiful 🙏🏼❤🌹

[@rainwaterrefugehomestead2267]

Oh wow! How powerful ❤

[@Dees23]

Makes great tea… great houseplant as well !

[@CandycaneBeyond]

Wish I would have known this. 2 years of agony after boyfriend died.

[@MaryLouHeskje]

never thought about planting inside!

[@debcobern312]

Lemon Balm is always in my home apothecary. I drink it daily both hot and iced. Great for my autoimmune diseases and stress. Calms me right down.👍🤗💖

[@barefootrealist246]

I have a friend who is very tactile. She loves to come over and touch all my plants and compare textures of leaves, etc. I tease her that she is petting them like pets, but I've learned something from her actions. As you were talking about just sitting by the plants and taking them in - the beauty, the scent, etc. - there is something amazing in touching each one and connecting with them that way. My friend enjoys touching them and describing what she feels when she touches them. We have spent a good hour in the garden with our kids talking about how the plants smell, look and feel. What is different about each one and similar - and which ones not to touch (good old Stinging Nettles). It's so interesting and fun what we can learn from each other. Thank you for such a wealth of information in such a short video.

[@BRoseCK]

What a beautiful speaker and person, thank you Shana.

[@mountainroseherbs]

Thanks for listening, we're glad you enjoyed the video! 🌿

[@DesiMomLivingInBahrain]

I bought it when the person selling it gave me its leaves to smell.. the smell made me fall in love with this herb.. Now my cat loves the smell and whenever its dry leaves fall she plays with it for hours..

[@jillroberts2548]

Neurotransmitters in the brain create new patterns with the sense of smell and is a direct connection with memories. I always encouraged our kids to smell things and now the same with our granddaughter. 👩‍🌾🪴

[@PorchGardeningWithPassion]

I am so excited to make my porch loaded with lemon balm this year 👊🏻🌻👊🏻

[@patsternburg8737]

I had no idea on the history of naming. Thank you!

[@Satarma61]

Lemon balm is my favorite scent, it is very uplifting and I love the tea before I go to sleep, very relaxing. I have Lemon Balm growing but would advice to grow it in a container, since it spreads rapidly.

[@selecttravelvacations7472]

It gets big and beautiful in the ground though and because rhizomes grow shallow in the soil…pretty easy to get up though you never 100% get it all, true. I like the big billowy pockets of it in my garden even though I have to spend a lot of time thinning it. Pulling it up is like an aromatherapy treatment. It releases the aroma and it’s so lovely.

[@cilanthropetunia]

I love how it helps an anxious or upset stomach

[@dorotaazzopardi8718]

Beautiful, thank you. And here I was thinking this was another bully plant that took over my garden… clearly I need it in my life❤

[@candyflair7946]

I have had it growing for a very long time. 10 years at least. It takes care of itself. I love having it too. I put it in my pillow case at night.

[@_Diana_S]

Melissa tea (just steep a few leaves in hot water) helps to relax your tired body and makes your head clear.

[@janicemattos6326]

I am so fortunate to have acres of lemon balm growing along my historic creek side property!

[@ninavandeuveren]

I love the balance between facts about the plant and the experience/feeling it can give you. Was a nice video

[@mountainroseherbs]

Thank you so much! Shana truly is a wonderful teacher :) - Gracie

[@isabelladavis1363]

Oregano as well as lemon balm were harvested today..yes the smell is A M A Z I N G this year I’ve harvested lemon balm twice it’s extremely happy in our garden as well as smelling it as we come up the porch steps never to be missed in the warmer months…we this year have been using it as a tea on a regular basis everyone loves it…thank you again for for sharing your knowledge…stay blessed

[@mountainroseherbs]

Thank you so much! Lemon balm really is one of the best smells out there! It always brings a smile to my face :) Enjoy! - Gracie

[@humanresetproject]

Absolutely brilliant thank you Shana we are so blessed to have you share you wisdom!! ❤❤❤❤

[@apple6ification]

So great to hear Shana's wisdom! Took a few different workshops of hers at conferences years ago. Great to hear more about lemon balm. It is part of my tea blend today. 🌿

[@makeoversbymeme2077]

That’s awesome. I want to get into herbalism

[@danam.8709]

Love all your videos, they make me so aware of the benefits of Nature.

[@donnab979]

Thank you.... I can never over-indulge in the subject of lemon balm, so thank you for your appreciation of it!

[@vinagerie427]

Love, love, love the lemon aroma in my front garden! lol Actually, it has created a coup to take over this garden with the Catnip...So strong are each thru-out that I can hardly tell them apart. An aider & abettor in the deal is geranium, with Lavander popping in, here & there. Let them have-at this year, & Wow!...They took full advantage! Love it, tho. :)

[@manischafer1919]

Yesss! I love that you talk about plants as allies in a relationship in which we participate!

[@melissaoleary8196]

I started lemon balm from seed over winter for the first time. This is also the first time I've ever smelled it. Delicious!

[@vickievans6853]

Thank you for all your knowledge on this plant , i love mine too.

[@MidwestGirl]

Thank you Shana and MRH for sharing this valuable information.

[@mountainroseherbs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DesiMomLivingInBahrain]

I went to the nursery and the person selling these herbs just gave me some leaves to smell and the smell made me buy it without giving a second thought.. Now my cat loves it smells.. whenever one of it leaves fall (half dried & yellowish) she plays continuously with this leaf for hours..

[@cathylocklin3215]

Wow great information. I know it was no accident this came up on my feed. You have beautiful energy. I have had lemon balm for years, to help keep mosquitoes away.

[@mountainroseherbs]

We're so glad you enjoyed the video! 🌿

[@GreenSpiritCraft]

Helpful to hear the tying together of uplifting + calming nervous system + calming immune system response.

[@viji786]

Wonderful information.

[@vamonarch4740]

I love your passion for plants and how they can support us! Lemon Balm is fabulous and so easy to grow in ground or in a pot. I often find it as a welcome surprise in other parts of my garden.😊

[@mountainroseherbs]

I also am always finding it as a surprise in different areas of my garden! Such a joyful plant 😊 Thank you so much for your kind words! -Gracie

[@a.scotth.9955]

Really good info! Thank you!

[@rvrm3380]

Described it very well. 😊

[@muchadoaboutsomething]

Awww, a favorite. I love to make tea from lemon balm. Thank you for this video.

[@mountainroseherbs]

Our pleasure! Lemon balm is the best! :) - Gracie

[@ripleymccauley3071]

Lemon verbena is very uplifting as well.

[@justinspring3422]

Great soothing tea.

[@orangetara4268]

This grows wild in my garden.. spreads everywhere. Have given young plants to many people. It’s happiness in a pot.. drink it in tea daily and dry it so it lasts through winter 🙏🏻

[@KristinGasser]

What a wonderful portrait! ❤ love it, thank you! 😊

[@divin-inarizona7125]

Wonderful, informative video. Thank you. ❤

[@mountainroseherbs]

You are so welcome! Shana is an awesome teacher :) - Gracie

[@sarahsallotmentjourney]

Love learning new things thanks

[@MsLaurieWatts]

Thank you! ❤

[@seattlejayde]

This was great and very informative. I have lots of Lemon Balm and had always thought it was a weed/ pest.

[@valjalava1951]

Just found your channel,I have a lemon balm plant that I was going to pull out I don’t smell it to lemony but I will check it again,never new what to do with it

[@TSis76]

Thank you for this!

[@mountainroseherbs]

Our pleasure! So glad it was helpful for you :) - Gracie

[@rostamr4096]

I love Lemon balm...I need to fid the best way to dry and store them to use in winter times as tea...

[@lillian7035]

I have a dehydrator but you can easily dry the leaves in a very low oven. Hope this helps.

[@ArtnCornbread]

So well said❤

[@mountainroseherbs]

🥰

[@alicedemarisco696]

Beautiful presentation ❤

[@mountainroseherbs]

Thank you so much!

[@mariagillinson8527]

Thank you that was great!

[@mountainroseherbs]

You're very welcome!

[@sophiaisabellarose836]

Strong infusion of lemon balm made into ice cubes, AMAZING to make an oncoming cold sore retreat!. Plus, if you have one, the lemon ice cube feels reeeeaaallly good, and done consistently in an acute cold sore situation, it will help to relieve and mitigate them. But … dealing with the precursors of what contributes is also a great root cause step >> stress, dietary factors, ie caffeine, sugar, arginine containing food and too much sun. Thanks so much for talking about sitting with plants for healing!!

[@TheLynnipoo]

I enjoyed this video. I will find me, some lemon balm❤

[@GardeningUrduHindi]

Beautiful so beautiful

[@mountainroseherbs]

Thank you so much!

[@lorivarallo6137]

It's the best herb!!

[@margaloone7970]

Nice video. I grow lemon balm. I love the smell and I have used it when cooking. I just subscribed to your channel.

[@mountainroseherbs]

Welcome to the Mountain Rose family! 🥰🌿

[@caravanrose]

Good video. Love herbs and plants.

[@gardenvistas]

Such a nice video!

[@mountainroseherbs]

We're so glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@tcpjunk]

Watched a few of your videos. Great fireside chat format sitting next to your plant friend. I love my lemon balm plants and have cared for them for years. I like to put a sprig or two in my water bottle overnight for lemon balm infused water. I need water everyday so why not add some natural herbal goodness! Thanks for educating me!!

[@mountainroseherbs]

Thank you so much! I had a great time filming this series with Shana and getting to experience all her plant wisdom! Adding lemon balm to my water is also one of my favorite things in the spring and summer :) ~Gracie

[@Winnyj73]

This is a great idea, i will definitely try that out, thank you for sharing😊

[@dreamstarworld1]

#SmartLady embellished with #BeautyAndBrains!!!

[@janelahmeyer2014]

heavy good info

[@dawnfoster9654]

Thank you this was very informative! Do you have any tutorials on combining and preparing the herbs?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there! We are so glad that you enjoyed the video! We have several blog posts that detail different herbal preparation methods, I would recommend checking out our blog to find more details on the specific preparation hat you are interested in: blog.mountainroseherbs.com/ I hope that helps! 🌿

[@bobbijo288]

Do you have any videos on cinnamon basil? I planted lemon balm this year and we love it and I love the cinnamon basil aroma and it has white little flowers..

[@mountainroseherbs]

We do not have any videos yet, but we will keep this in mind for spring and summer plant walks next year :D Thanks for the suggestion!! - Gracie

[@Greenhyms]

You look like the lady who helped me with the young boy yesterday 😢 on the Danforth..

[@brockshen]

Thanks for the lovely presentation. I under utilize that gem. Can I pot some and bring it inside for the winter?

[@mountainroseherbs]

I've never tried growing it indoors before, but I do believe it's possible! While lemon balm enjoys part sun to shade outside, you will need to keep it in a bright window indoors! I hope that helps! - Gracie

[@brockshen]

@@mountainroseherbs Thank you! Perfect timing. 1st cold nights coming in NC. Blessings!

[@sandiwilson149]

I have gotten your catalog for years now and enjoy it so much. I did not know you were on KZbin and this morning I saw your vlog on Lemon Balm. Like you said these last few years are taking a toll on me and so many. So guess who is planting this wonderful herb this year? Thank you so much and which ever the spirt of mine guided me to watching this morning.

[@mountainroseherbs]

We're so glad you found us in the virtual realm! We hope you enjoy all the videos you watch from us, cheers! 🌿

[@lisaevers3052]

Great information!!! Does anyone know how to best distinguish between Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena? ❤

[@mountainroseherbs]

Although they share similar names, lemon balm and lemon verbena are actually from two different genera and family! Their appearances are also quite different, making them easy to tell apart if you know what to look out for. Lemon verbena has long, slender leaves with a smooth edge, while lemon balm has short, textured leaves. We hope this helps! 🥰🌿

[@mikaila1555]

It really is in the same family as mint...they look so similar!

[@mountainroseherbs]

Yes, there are surprisingly over 7,000 species in the mint family! 🌿

[@mikaila1555]

@@mountainroseherbs that's so cool!

[@susantaylor8507]

I make tea for my husband anxiety with lemon balm I want my garden to look like this

[@mountainroseherbs]

I love that you help your husband out in that way 🥰 - Gracie

[@margaretdumbreck7191]

I have a big plant of lemon balm, and every time I pass by I nip a couple of new growth tips off and chew them. Same with parsley. 😊

[@lisanetgark415]

I made the mistake of planting Lemon Balm out of a pot! Lemon Balm hedges now! 🥰

[@Gemma2269]

Lol, I did the same thing, and now I have it everywhere the wind blew it. I just finished digging a lot of it up, and now I feel guilty. 😂

[@CosetteDeMille]

more vids!!!

[@wilma6181]

I grow lemon balm but don't know what to do with it. It is a beautiful plant. This is my first time. Nebraska 5b

[@mountainroseherbs]

Our favorite way to use lemon balm is simply in a tea, but tinctures are always nice as well! You can make a tea from the fresh leaves or try out drying them to have year round :)

[@swaroopgeorge7220]

Can I get the cutting of lemon Verban

[@elisemenne8758]

Please, please tell me you wrote a book on all these wonderful herbs and each ones God-given medicinal and healing properties?? It will make the most welcome Christmas present to loved ones!

[@VKing-di9lo]

I bought a lemon balm plant from a nursery, and although when I rub the leaves, I can smell lemon slightly, it is not so strong as you explain. Are there different types? Perhaps I bought the wrong one?

[@patti3d]

Thank you. I bought a plant of lemon balm. Use it as a tea. I am growing it inside until I can get the pests gone. I am spraying the outside plants with a little bit of dawn soap, rosemary EO and peppermint EO diluted in water. But still a problem. Neehm oil I can’t find one that is void of other stuff. Any suggestions on a source of neem oil?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there! Our neem oil is 85% neem and 15% olive oil (added for pourability) but has no other additives! It works great on plants, I have had success using it for pests before. We usually suggest adding in a bit of castile soap and water to spray on plants! You can find it here and read more in the product description: mountainroseherbs.com/neem-oil-blend

[@ellenchilders525]

​@@mountainroseherbs😊

[@user-ix5qd1bp4q]

Back to n basic love nature .

[@decemberbaby9549]

It’s the dominant plant on my bank. It’s working its way around my entire yard.

[@cilanthropetunia]

❤️

[@ElisandeWalters]

ppl having issues with coldsores might want to look at the research regarding lemon balm

[@valjalava1951]

Just wondering if you can dry the leaves to use later

[@sdyehouse8273]

Yes you can..I just hang mine on a drying rack..when dry crumble into a container use when needed.

[@uponcallicohill3096]

I used to tell my grandkids that it was a fruit loop plant!

[@CosetteDeMille]

YASSSSSSS

[@CosetteDeMille]

keep goingg

[@joelalexander4513]

Beautifully presented. New sub here. Question; Lemon Balm as a deterrent for garden pets, ya or nah?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there, welcome to the Mountain Rose family! Yes, lemon balm contains high levels of citronellal, which garden pests such as mosquitos and gnats are not big fans of. On the other hand, lemon balm's white flowers that bloom in the summertime attract our pollinator friends such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Truly a win-win botanical! 🌿

[@jrcgjhughes]

My lemon balm is growing in abundance now. Is it okay if I start harvesting now?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there! If you find your lemon balm is growing in abundance, you certainly can go ahead with harvesting! 🌿

[@torchyjunk1700]

You must be kidding! Planted a little sprout three years ago. Lemon Balm aggressively self-seeds and little birds like the seeds. Sections of my PNW yard are now a monoculture blanketing areas that used to be just mulch, parts of my veg garden, a back area where I'm trying to protect some native madrones. Mint family is ALWAYS a bad choice in areas that get a lot of rain.

[@kp76333]

Do I see horseradish in the lower right garden?

[@nanacheryl1]

Can i add to my smoothie

[@kbfabfive]

Thanks for this information. I love nature and natural medicine .I'm currently sipping on my lemon balm tea now she sounds like Ellen DeGeneres to me a little

[@JavaLikeHomesteading]

Can you grow it inside?

[@mountainroseherbs]

I've never tried growing it inside before! It can grow rather large and wants to spread. I have grown it in a pot on my deck before, just never tried bringing it inside. I think if you have a nice bright spot for it in your home, it could potentially work. Let us know if you end up trying it out!! - Gracie

[@eprohoda]

Hi~ Mountain,yo~you created gorgeous video-work~ catch you later- ;))

[@susantaylor8507]

I'm trying to study herbalism on my own can't afford classes right now

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi Susan! I'd suggest finding some herbal education books that make you happy as well as checking out helpful resources offered by herb schools! Some great places to start are theherbalacademy.com/ and www.herbrally.com/. HerbRally has an online schoolhouse but it is relatively inexpensive and Herbal Academy offers some of their course books for sale. You can also sift through our blog to find great recipes from respected herbalists. That can be found at blog.mountainroseherbs.com 😀 I hope that helps! - Gracie

[@jeansroses7249]

I found that I do NOT like the smell of Melissa Officinalis, and can't see myself drinking a tea of it or even handling it, but nevertheless, I know it's very medicinal, so I grow it anyway; I was just looking at it the other day-noticing how it's spreading, as you say it does! I wish I loved it, cuz it proliferates, but not everyone loves everything....

[@jasminesoulchild2047]

Hii do you know where to purchase lemon balm seeds?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi Jasmine! We sell Strictly Medicinal Lemon Balm seeds! They are great quality and are certified organically grown :) You can find them here: mountainroseherbs.com/lemon-balm-seeds

[@karmalife76]

Is it deer resistant?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Yes, lemon balm and many other species in the mint family are fantastic deer repellents! Deer are not big fans of the scent that omits from lemon balm leaves and flowers, so they tend to steer clear of areas where the scent is prevalent. 🌿

[@vickimeier4004]

I can't ever get lemon balm to get started from a seed is there a trick it comes up two little leaves and then it dies on me

[@mountainroseherbs]

Great question! Here is some growing advice from our friends at Strictly Medicinal Seeds: Plant prefers shade to part sun and is not picky about the soil, although a rich soil will give improved yields. Light-dependent germinator. Scarify seeds lightly on fine sandpaper and sow outdoors in the fall or very early spring or provide 2 weeks of cold conditioning. Barely cover seeds with soil, tamp securely and keep evenly moist. Germination in 10-40 days. Plant 1 to 2 feet apart. I hope that helps!

[@vickimeier4004]

@@mountainroseherbs thank you much