In a small mixing bowl, blend yogurt or sour cream with remaining There might be some other or closer options in that search. Once established, the larger plants are very difficult to pull out, I have to dig them. Meanwhile, in a large, shallow bowl, stir together the lemon juice and zest, and ½ teaspoon cumin; season to taste with salt and black pepper, then add the cod fillets and turn several times to coat. So, high on my list for this year is coming up with more mint recipes and project ideas. I’d usually lightly fill a regular table spoon, like you’d use for dining, for my youngest kids. I’m using some chopped lemon balm in my homebrewed beer (a Belgian wit – so a typically citrusy wheat beer). Add lemon balm leaves and cook five minutes. However, I’m not exactly sure how it grows in other climates, outside of my own. Make a lemon balm bug spray: I’ve tried a lot of homemade bug spray recipes and this is my favorite … Still, though I’d double check with your doctor since they know your full health history and such. There are so many directions you could take a lemon balm ice cream, and many recipes combine the fresh herbs with summer fruits. How exciting to have your own herb garden to enjoy and make fun things with! With mixer, blender, or by hand cream the butter. I want to thank you for the warning about not consuming large amounts of this plant if one has a thyriod condition…I take meds for low thyriod everyday,thank you so much for providing this important information along with the rest of the helpful tips on how to use the plants . Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, and then sprinkle one side with lemon balm, green onion, salt and pepper. :), Wonderful! Can that be used in the same way as lemon balm? Hi Chelsea! Lemon Balm is also a star ingredient in my trusted Favorite Cold & Flu Tincture. Thanks for your tips Karen! I hope you enjoy your wonderful lemon balm! Can I use the lemon balm in this way? I love your site! Thank you for the recipes. We keep it in the fridge, so it’s refreshing, too! I hope that you enjoy your lemon balm plant – it’s a lovely one to have around! Appreciate all the info on here! Have fun! Is this normal? Search result for lemon balm. So, it’s a pretty tough plant! This will sure come in handy this year, when I get my lemon balm. For a bit more lemon flavor, add a pinch or two of crushed Lemon Thyme. I look forward to the tea, the water, and the tincture. Also, my daughter has excellent results with taking magnesium before bed to help her sleep better. I was told by my naturopath that lemon balm is GOOD for hypothyroidism…? It gives the meat a subtle, yet delicious lemon taste. :), […] with honey and/or lemon. Should this have happened? Since lemon balm is at it’s best during the heat of the summer, I can think of no more appropriate way to use it than in lemon balm ice cream or lemon balm sorbet. Needless to say, I follow this, and I applaud your responses to those asking about their Hypothyroidism. Lemon balm tea is always delicious. To make: Fill a jar with fresh lemon balm leaves and a thinly sliced lemon. How long do you let it steep for? Yield a little over 1 cup. You could also use it in an oxymel remedy. Spring isn’t *too* far away though! Great suggestions on how to use it. A simple, yet delicious condiment. In Minnesota, the mosquito is our state bird so I empathize with Kathy from Georgia and love this idea. I found you on the web as a result of a search for information about the uses of lemon balm. I am growing 2 pots of lemon grass. Hi Lynne! If it’s a vodka tincture, then yes, you could do that. Love your article. For oil based items, you can dry your lemon balm leaves by spreading them out on a clean towel in a single layer for a few days. Hi Michelle, I’m not sure how Laura makes it (and if she sees your comment I hope she replies! Really interesting to know about the sleepy time syrup. Lemon Balm Lemon Butter can be used to cook chicken, fish or pork. There are lots of things to do with lemon balm and I hope you enjoy your plant! As you do this, the friction will help the butter soften up. Add a pinch of garlic. This can also be done in a slow cooker. Lemon balm cut and ready to go. When you say “store for up to a year at least,” does that mean it won’t be ready for over a year? Sugar 0 g Hi Casey! https://www.cloverleaffarmblog.com/how-to-make-lemon-balm-butter/2015/02 You can also place a dish of herbal Lemon Balm Lemon Butter into the center of a dish, and place the cooked vegetables around it. All content © The Nerdy Farm Wife - All Rights Reserved. I use the leaves to flavour my tea every sunday. You should be able to make a lemon balm tea and use it for the liquid in any face mask recipe you find online. I have a plant and I’ve added the leaves to hot tea, chilled water and in a recipe. :) ACV = Apple Cider Vinegar. Herbal infused glycerin can also be used as an ingredient in lotions, toners and aftershave recipes. You can find the full recipe and how to make it in my blog post, Super Healing Cold Sore Lip Balm. While still quite warm, measure out about 1/2 cup of the concentrated tea and stir 1/4 cup raw honey into it. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. I’m not sure whether it gives a better effect or not, though you can certainly try it out and see how it works for you! Is there any type of face mask I could make with lemon balm leaves ? Drizzle the salads with honey or a dressing made of yogurt and honey. Dab on blemishes and bug bites as needed. while Thinking About Food made Lemon […], my doctor recently prescribed me 223 lemon balm pills a day for severe anxiety and trouble sleeping. Any idea if they can be used in companion-planting with vegetables to discourage aphids, etc? Hi Brody, Thanks – I’m glad you enjoyed the ideas! Jan Berry is a writer, herbalist, soapmaker, and bestselling author of The Big Book of Homemade Products, Simple & Natural Soapmaking, and Easy Homemade Melt & Pour Soaps. Pour in cold water until it reaches the top. Many websites have a variety of them. Keep them in a jar, out of direct sunlight and don’t crumble until you’re going to use them (to retain the aromatic oils as much as possible. :), […] compounds with powerful antioxidant properties). With slight pressure start grading the lemon. Molding The Butter For Parties :). Your grow tent sounds wonderful! (With all of these though – double check with your doc to make sure it won’t interfere with any prescriptions or other health issues.) I have a question about the tincture. I would go ahead and strain it and then let it sit tightly closed (out of direct sunlight) for several days, then uncap and see what it smells like then. If it were me, I’d probably experiment with mixing it with some clay first, perhaps French green clay. Thank you for all the tips!! Lemon balm combines well with many spices including chervil, pepper, thyme, and parsley. (No bath bags handy? I would give your doctor/nurse/midwife a call and see what they say. Sweeten to taste & enjoy! Hi Nadine, I’m glad that you found some helpful ideas in the post! I would think once it flowers it should produce some. Be blessed. get a better night’s sleep and it’s likely to be doctor approved. I think the small amount in lip balm should be fine. If they are small, thin stems like are found on the tips, they’re fine to leave on. I just found out this morning that we have about 5 medium plants of lemon balm in our garden in Aruba and they keep on growing. Hi Barbara, You could certainly ask your doctor, they may think it’s okay for your situation. For even more relaxation, try throwing a cup of Epsom salt into the tub as well. Here’s an example of one that I found: “Melissa Officinalis produced a significant inhibition of TSH binding to its receptor and of antibody binding to TSH”, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14759065. Place the lemon rind, lemon balm leaves, and the sugar into a small heat-proof pitcher. Thanks! Use lemon balm in place of lemon peel in recipes and to flavor soups, sauces, vinegars and seafood. So really pulse that sauce until it looks creamy. Or add it to your favorite sugar cookie dough for a delicious lemony tea cookie. Sleepovers with Nan sound so much fun – I bet they have a great time! I hope you get good results! Hi Samantha, I don’t have a recipe – but I love the idea! Shelf life should be at least 9 months to 1 year+. Dash salt In a saucepan, boil sugar and water several minutes until syrupy. That’s great to know that lemon balm and peppermint do well indoors as well! I’m off to trim the plants! My goodness, but what a nice surprise. Will the glycerite retain the good smell of fresh herbs? Here are two sites I found with some info to help you decide: Your website was on the top of the list, and I am very happy that I clicked on it. Hi – I’m trying to make the lemon balm tincture and I wanted to share my result to make sure it seems right. Some links on this site are affiliate links; I only recommend products I personally use and enjoy. So, in theory, it should be able to be grown by seed, but if you ask around and find a friend with some, there’s also a good chance they’ll be happy to give you a section of theirs! Thanks in advance for your kind assistance. I steep lemon balm and peppermint in witch hazel and a splash of ACV, then strain and add a splash of aloe juice and put it in a spray bottle. Actually, it’s a breath of fresh air. Add A Little Honey Thank you, my first herbs and garden in years, I’m learning, next year will be much better. Hi Aud, I’m so happy that you’ve found the site useful! I hope you’re able to find some! DIRECTIONS. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her family and a menagerie of animals, where she enjoys brainstorming creative things to make with the flowers and weeds that grow around her. Can lemon balm be grown from seed or is this a plant that is best purchased from a nursery? Thanks for these great ideas!! Thanks, Jan! I have one more that I’ve tried with success: Break off a leafy stem and very gently rub it on any exposed skin to repel mosquitos. Raw honey works a little better than regular honey as it is a little more solid. Life on an 1800s Farm in Effingham New Hampshire. Add one teaspoon of local raw honey for a delicious butter that can be used on pancakes and waffles. Hi Suzie! The butter can be used right away for mouth watering pancakes, or you can let it set. Related: Fresh leaves can also be frozen in ice cubes to dress up a summer beverage. Lay the coated leaves on a parchment lined baking sheet. :) I had one too! :) I’m not sure of the strength or how you’d dose your particular lemon balm pills, so that’s probably a good question for your doctor, but my thought is that you’d want to keep it in your system – so spread out throughout the day. In the Kitchen: Lemon Balm. Enjoy the lemony taste mixed with the asparagus. Preheat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thanks Brenda! Herbs to Avoid if You Have Autoimmune Disease. It has survived freezing winters and super dry summers where nothing grew well. I had graduated personal training school several years ago and we were cautioned about giving advice regarding supplements and herbs – especially when combined with certain conditions and/or medications. I have a bunch of lemon balm waiting for my attention, and I could use that sleepytime herbal syrup due to some menopause-related sleep problems (I also have hormone-related blemishes that it could help with!). Continue turning the lemon. Are the flowers on the lemon balm have any medicinal properties to them or can they be used. As an Amazon Asssociate we earn from qualifiying purchases. Just brush onto the top of the meat using a pastry brush, and cook as you normally would following the recipe. Maybe I will try to find a plant and just purchase it. Spread on the butter, and top with cooked asparagus. If you’ve ever planted lemon balm, you know how one tiny plant can quickly take over a large portion of your garden! Keep whisking until the butter is as soft as a tub butter would be. Add the honey as you are whisking the butter to the cream stage. Thanks so much, I’m glad you corrected that, I was worried for a second! (We have super fast metabolism, that’s not always a good thing.). You can find the full recipe and how to make it at my blog post, Ginger & Lemon Balm Cold & Flu Syrup. It is very delicious for meat or veggie dishes. For a stronger, zestier, lip puckering refreshment, this lemonade recipe is … Carbohydrates 0 g I’m sorry that I didn’t see Cheryl’s comment earlier! After logging in you can close it and return to this page. I’m excited hahah. :). Mix half a stick (4 tablespoons) of softened butter with a pinch of finely chopped lemon balm. Lemon balm is one of my favorites, so even though it gets a little wild in the garden once it gets established, I love having it around. http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/lemongrass-tea-zmaz78sozraw.aspx#axzz3A8WaP7h8. Best prepared 1 hour in advance. I found several interesting ways to use lemon balm that I’m excited to try. Keep up the good work. How exciting! Will plant tomorrow – dying to try recipes. That is a great idea! It was on my “To Do” list today to harvest and wilt lemon balm. Thanks, Jan. You had me at “attracts bees to the garden” (always a good thing)! Thanks for following on Pinterest! This is a favorite kid activity around here! Now I have a focus for the harvested lemon balm. Jan: I learn something new from you every time I read your blog. Just back from the nursery with lemon balm seedlings. Hi Michael, That’s an interesting use – I’d love to hear how it turns out! I know that teas are a good, gentle way of dosing herbs, but I’m not a huge tea fan myself, so prefer other forms first. That’s a wonderful idea Laura; thanks for sharing with us! Or maybe that would be a face wash of sorts… but still – good ideas! If they feel like you should avoid it, perhaps something that will help you with sleep is a magnesium supplement. I want to steep this while I am gone for a week so I am hoping to pick up anything else at the co-op tomorrow. Most people are deficient in it, so it’s usually needed anyway. Hello, thank you for the info. Adding a dash of sweet marjoram gives a slight Mediterranean taste. Looking for more creative ways to use flowers and herbs? how to preserve lemon balm for uses later? Some can be quite powerful. It is especially beneficial to tomatoes, squashes, melons, broccoli, cauliflower, and other cabbage family plants.” http://www.seedaholic.com/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis-organic.html I think the only thing to remember though, is that lemon balm will grow and grow and grow and take over an area, so if you have vegetables nearby, keep it trimmed back to control it. Treating and Healing Lichen Sclerosus Naturally. Hi Danny! What a great idea, thanks for sharing it; I’ll have to experiment with that this summer! Natural antibacterial–With its ability to fight a spectrum of bacteria inside the body, lemon balm has … ), http://www.herbanmomma.com/2013/08/wildcrafting-wednesday-8-28-13/, https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/using-fresh-mint-to-make-lip-balms-salve/, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-719-lemongrass.aspx?activeingredientid=719&activeingredientname=lemongrass, http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/lemongrass-tea-zmaz78sozraw.aspx#axzz3A8WaP7h8, http://www.seedaholic.com/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis-organic.html, https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/rose-glycerite-emotional-balancer/, https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/12-things-to-do-with-lemon-balm/, https://www.google.com/search?q=south+african+plant+nursery+lemon+balm, http://www.herbgarden.co.za/mountainherb/herbinfo.php?id=27. I fight it every summer, it even grows in the deep woods where I’ve chucked it. To make: Beat an egg white with a tiny bit of water. I am so happy to find out how to use it. Should I term all stems off for most of theses recipes? Want to get them off the meds they are on. All recipes are made and used at your own risk. I’ve kept infusions for up to around 9 months. Great fun though . If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), are on thyroid medication, or are pregnant, nursing, or have any other questions or concerns, talk with a qualified health professional before use. hey ,I’m from south Africa and i need to know where i can get the plant or where i can buy the tea. I’ve tried a lot of homemade bug spray recipes and this is my favorite one. Did you enjoy this article on 12+ uses for lemon balm? I found you through a Google search when I was looking for lemon balm uses. So far I have basil and lemon balm. Add a drizzle of honey to taste. I will try my best to link up next Wednesday! Pour in 80 proof or higher alcohol (like vodka) until the jar is filled. A dash of cayenne adds some spice to it, and is great for using on popcorn. Close the jar and place in a dark cabinet for … These can be planted and will establish and spread quickly. Hi Jan, Awesome info here. Check after 20 minutes and every 5 to 10 after that. Today, I decided to look on the internet to find how to use this herb. I’m glad the information was timely for you! Be careful folks, this lovely fragrant plant really can take over nearby areas quickly via underground root travel. Allow to air dry and keep it on your skin as long as possible to help soothe the itchiness and inflammation. :), Was reading all these post archives and wondered what is ACV that Laura uses in her mosquito repellent. Hi Julie! I was so happy to see how easily the stems could be re-harvested to grow into nice large plants! I remember last year that I thought of several more mint ideas, I just never got around to trying them out. could you e-mail me and ell me what ACV is. Protein 0 g I live in the desert in Arizona with an abundance of wildlife that likes to snatch up plants so I grow mine mostly indoors in a grow tent with 300 watts of light and my Lemon Balm plants and Peppermint Plants have just take off like you wouldn’t believe. A friend just shared her plant with me. Usually, part of it stays green all winter here, but this year has been extra cold and I lost it all. :), Thank you so much. If it’s an oil infusion, then you probably want to toss it, since oil has a more limited shelf life. I’m going to make the sleepy time syrup for him and tincture for my daughter who suffers from anxiety. Pour the boiling water into the pitcher and stir well, crushing the lemon balm leaves to release their flavor. You could try freezing it in your icebox/ freezer :), Thanks for the reply Alyssa! I don’t use the thicker ones though. You can tie little bunches up to air dry or you can place individual leaves on paper towels or clean dish towels and let them air dry, in a single layer, for several days. Check out my Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home! I have been trying to grow lemon balm from seed with not much luck. Slowly whisk in the oil. I am not understanding the negative link of lemon balm and thyroid meds for hypothyroidism. Lemon balm is an easy to grow herb that not only attracts bees to the garden, but is also a great anti-viral with relaxing properties that are helpful for soothing frayed nerves and calming hyper children. Dose by the spoonful at night to help calm and relax. If so, let’s keep in touch! I have a great potful that I trim back and take to work, share with neighbors, family and use myself. Now, cut the lemons in half and squeeze out the juice. I just found your site. I have a grandson who can’t sleep. I started with one plant purchased from my local garden center and not only did it spread to form mounds across about 1/3 of the side of my house, but I find little seedlings everywhere when I weed my garden (Including in places wayyyyyy far from it.) I saw your helpful website and thought I’d ask. And there are more you can search for, but the main thing to keep in mind is that the tests were done in an isolated lab setting. You probably shouldn’t drink a cup full of tea or some other large amount if you’re on hypothyroid meds/supplements though, without double checking with your doctor or naturopath first. I grew my lemon balm from seed and it is huge and wonderful. I just stuff my jar at least half full of fresh herbs (more is good too) and then cover to the top with witch hazel. Thanks for the information it helped a lot. Place the baking sheet in a 200 degree F oven until the leaves look dry, but not browned. :). I cut up some lemon balm leaves and put them in a simmering pot of water on my stove all day to freshen my kitchen/home (making sure to keep water added), it smells wonderful! (Oxymels are sweet and sour herbal syrups – learn how to make those HERE.). Be sure to wash the fruit before use. Thanks for all the info here. See great recipes for Lemon Balm, Sweet Basil, and Cinnamon Tea too! Glycerites might have a shorter shelf life, but alcohol and vinegar tinctures will both last a long time. I found several medical sites cautioning against its use with hypothyroidism & thyroid medications, then started looking at the medical studies they cited in their sources. Enjoyed reading . Your lemon balm glycerite should smell lemon-y for a while. Add a dash of sugar and cinnamon for delicious morning toast. https://delishably.com/beverages/Recipe-for-Fresh-Iced-Lemon-Balm-Tea Here’s a recipe that has more information that might interest you: https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/rose-glycerite-emotional-balancer/, […] 12 Things to Do With Lemon Balm from The Nerdy Farm Wife […]. Best wishes from the UK. It’s nice to see someone dispense responsible information. Hi Myra! I’m 34 weeks pregnant. Your doctor may say lemon balm’s okay for occasional use. https://www.primalpalate.com/paleo-blog/pan-seared-cod-with-herbs-and-lemon I started with one tiny plant, and now it has spread to cover about 1/3 of one side of my house. It’s more of a precautionary statement to let people know that a few studies & some traditional herbalists lean towards avoiding lemon balm if you have hypothyroid. Refrigerate for several hours. :) I’m anxiously waiting for mine to start peeking out again. Yep, witch hazel extract. :), […] alongside E’s sunflower. Fill a jar about 3/4 full with fresh leaves. Cap and let this sit in a dark place for 3 to 4 weeks. Stash it in the refrigerator for around 2 weeks and take whenever you’ve been around germy people, feel a little run down or think you might be catching something. i have lots of lemon balm growing in my garden. Time will vary depending on weather, and room temperature. This recipe takes very little time to make, yet the results are purely delicious. My daughter & a friend of hers (teens) have excellent luck using honey on their face – I bet you could infuse honey with lemon balm leaves and use it as a mask too. :). I would like to reinfuse it with fresh lemon balm instead of just throwing it out, is that something that can be done? Thank you. (Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs.). Get the seedlings out while you can. See our recipe page for recipes using Lemon Balm. Mine seems to have world domination plans as well! https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/lemon_meringue_ice_cream_57978 Hi Miss Juday! I just mix a few in with the leaves sometimes and use them as usual in the various recipes that call for lemon balm. Hi Angela, Congratulations! It could be just the stages of the leaves breaking down that you smell. I sometimes add a slice of lemon and some basil with it to give it an extra kick, or add fresh lavender. Lemon balm is definitely a persistent plant. Sprinkle the side facing up with the remaining lemon balm… Note: You can make larger or smaller batches – keeping a ratio of about 2 parts lemon balm infusion to 1 part honey. Once the tincture is strained it is completely finished and ready to use. Thanks Angee! I haven’t tried lemon balm in juice myself, but it seems like a little bit in moderation might be a good addition! This soap recipe is made with lemon balm tea and naturally scented with lemongrass. Kentucky Forager is making Lemon Balm Syrup with theirs. New uses would be wonderful to add to my current book of recipes. Using a small whisk, start to whisk the butter in circular motion. If they don’t think it’s a good idea at all though, you could try passionflower and/or valerian root for sleeping. Add lemon balm leaves to a jar until about three-quarters filled. Love for you to come by Wildcrafting Wednesday and share. Fat 12 g 18% Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home, Bookshop.org (supports local bookstores! Once you plant it, it usually grows and spreads A LOT. It’s a perfect way to use up some extra lemon balm from your garden! It won’t cause your final product to turn out any differently and the addition will help boost the healing power of the ointment. Oh dear…. What uses do you have for lemon […], […] Here is a link to a really great post talking about lemon balm and what you can do with it: 12 things to Do With Lemon Balm […]. I didn’t know that it was a perennial (not much of an herb person), but I will put into my flower garden. Take the stick of butter and put it in a bowl. Let steep until cool enough to drink. But the roots? Would using it for lip balm be considered using it internally (or close enough) ? You can then store it for up to a year, like you store home canned goods for up to a year. You’re welcome! Toss pumpkin, onion and oil on a lined oven tray. :), […] just found that The Nerdy Farm Wife has a great post on 12 Things to Do With Lemon Balm–I’m excited to try the Lemon Balm and Honey Butter idea! Melt and Pour Onto Your Favorite Veggies! It’s one of the safest herbs known. Add a lilttle hot water then mashing them all together ..Splatter on face :). How long has it been infusing for? :). I will put them to good use. I cut it and put it in a vase just to tame it, a nice bouquet when flowers are short. :), I love, love, love Lemon Balm. Its perfect here this time of year for vegetables and I gave Lemon Balm a try and its taken off. I will be using these for myself and for my children when they need to be calmed down at night. Roast in the preheated oven 30 minutes, then turn chicken breast-side-up, and continue baking until … Thanks for stopping by! You can find the full recipe and how to make it in my blog post, Lemon Balm Bug Spray. I was thinking of using it as part of my bedtime regime when I have 2 or 3 over excited grandchildren on a sleepover at ‘nans’. I used 80 proof vodka and the liquid is now brown and the leaves browned significantly. My goal today was to find ways to use the Lemon Balm that grows rampant in my back yard. You can also make a tea or infusion and freeze that. Ahh I have just had an idea ! Just planted lemon balm this year and wanted ideas to use the leaves as I need to trim it down. You’re welcome! You can also divide your plant and put part of it in your garden. You’d want to give this recipe to kids over the age of one (because of the honey), but lemon balm by itself is even used for infants with colic. I have never used witch Hazel before but looking forward to trying a plant-based repellent. Now I know what to do with it, thanks for all the great ideas! I would definitely not want to usurp what a licensed naturopath says – they know all about your medical history and I’m sure they have a big picture/plan for health in mind!