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. Add a dash of sugar and cinnamon for delicious morning toast. So, it’s a pretty tough plant! When you say “store for up to a year at least,” does that mean it won’t be ready for over a year? Now I have a focus for the harvested lemon balm. I do how ever wonder if you have any wonderful ideas for fresh spearmint. Place them seasoned side down in the hot pan. What a great idea, thanks for sharing it; I’ll have to experiment with that this summer! I’ve never collected the seeds, so I’m not sure much about them. Add A Little Honey New uses would be wonderful to add to my current book of recipes. See our recipe page for recipes using Lemon Balm. Would you know if there are any changes in dose for different ages and at what age is it safe to give. It gives the meat a subtle, yet delicious lemon taste. I have a lemon balm based bug spray recipe coming to the blog soon too! I’ll be sure to share them as I make them! When warmed, take a knife and fork and break it up into smaller pieces in the bowl. A pinch of basil adds just a hint of savory taste to the butter. Add a lilttle hot water then mashing them all together ..Splatter on face :). How long has it been infusing for? Shelf life should be at least 9 months to 1 year+. (You can even use the cooled water as an insecticide.) I’m excited hahah. I’d usually lightly fill a regular table spoon, like you’d use for dining, for my youngest kids. I am not understanding the negative link of lemon balm and thyroid meds for hypothyroidism. I am growing 2 pots of lemon grass. You’re welcome! If it’s an oil infusion, then you probably want to toss it, since oil has a more limited shelf life. I grew some and its up now (looks like a nettle, smells nice)… to get the best sleeping effects can I just eat eat the whole plant?? http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-719-lemongrass.aspx?activeingredientid=719&activeingredientname=lemongrass To make: Fill a jar with fresh lemon balm leaves and a thinly sliced lemon. Search result for lemon balm. i have lots of lemon balm growing in my garden. The candied lemon balm leaves look good too. Yes, you can use the flowers as well. Dose is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon as needed to relax and calm. Thanks! This lip balm recipe was designed especially for my son who developed cold sores triggered by sunshine when he was young. Thank you for the interesting information i got to know through your website. This is a great stomach soothing, anti-viral concoction, perfect to take when you feel like you’re coming down with a cold or bug. Looking for more creative ways to use flowers and herbs? You can find the full recipe and how to make it at my blog post, Ginger & Lemon Balm Cold & Flu Syrup. Hi Miss Juday! Yield a little over 1 cup. We left the roots on this one so you can plant it if you like; keep it in a pot or […]. I’ve not tried growing it from seed, but I have ran into a few tricky ones that I just gave up and bought the plant too. Hi Amy! https://www.cloverleaffarmblog.com/how-to-make-lemon-balm-butter/2015/02 :), I love, love, love Lemon Balm. (Oxymels are sweet and sour herbal syrups – learn how to make those HERE.). I grew my lemon balm from seed and it is huge and wonderful. Note: You can make larger or smaller batches – keeping a ratio of about 2 parts lemon balm infusion to 1 part honey. 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! However, I’m not exactly sure how it grows in other climates, outside of my own. This can also be done in a slow cooker. As you do this, the friction will help the butter soften up. There might be some other or closer options in that search. Try adding finely chopped leaves (1 to 2 TBSP) and lemon zest (a pinch) to your favorite scone or muffin recipe. 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! Will plant tomorrow – dying to try recipes. Keep whisking until the butter is as soft as a tub butter would be. Hi Michelle! I would like to reinfuse it with fresh lemon balm instead of just throwing it out, is that something that can be done? Uses For Lemon Balm In Cooking and Baking • Candied – When candied, the leaves make attractive cake decorations. Any idea if they can be used in companion-planting with vegetables to discourage aphids, etc? The login page will open in a new tab. I have been trying to grow lemon balm from seed with not much luck. Hi Candy, My lemon balm usually reseeds itself each year – sometimes in places as far away as across my yard! Once it is at this stage, you can continue with the recipe. Here in Georgia mosquitoes are considred a runner-up for the state bird…:D, Hi Kathy T, Yikes those sound like some mosquitoes! If so, how much? 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! how to preserve lemon balm for uses later? Love for you to come by Wildcrafting Wednesday and share. Thanks, Jan! http://www.herbanmomma.com/2013/08/wildcrafting-wednesday-8-28-13/, Hi Kristin! I’ve tried a lot of homemade bug spray recipes and this is my favorite one. Fill a jar about 3/4 full with fresh leaves. Close the jar and place in a dark cabinet for … Thanks to the Nerdy Farm Wife for my favorite post on Lemon Balm, 12 Things to Do With Lemon Balm–go for it! :). Note: While it’s generally considered safe for most people, large amounts of lemon balm may inhibit thyroid function. Or are the teas the best bet for that? Add a little at a time. Hi Barbara, You could certainly ask your doctor, they may think it’s okay for your situation. David S. Hi David S, I’m happy you found some useful ideas for your lemon balm bounty! Time will vary depending on weather, and room temperature. Did you enjoy this article on 12+ uses for lemon balm? 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. Fat 12 g 18% 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. Once you plant it, it usually grows and spreads A LOT. Preheat oven to 220C (or 200C fan bake). Once it’s strained, that smell should go away. Prep and cook vegetables: Prep onion. 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. Love the bug spray too. 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. Refrigerate for several hours. It will turn brown, but that’s not a problem! Here is a link for ideas how to use lemon balm https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/12-things-to-do-with-lemon-balm/ Both of these I sourced from the Hopkinton Farmers Market yesterday at Long Life Farms. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until you have reduced the liquid by about half. Also an important warning from […]. Fortunately, lemon balm has many uses and today, I’m sharing over a dozen things to do with this prolific little gem. Wonderful! 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. Add chopped fresh leaves to fish, chicken, or mushroom dishes or mix into soft cheese, as well as vinegars, wines, and liqueurs. Thanks so much for these great ideas! 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 have heaps of it in the garden but haven’t ever done anything with it and now I know what to do. The lemon balm has taken over about 6 feet around the corner of the deck and I was wondering what to do with all that Herb. How long do you let it steep for? Hi Brody, Thanks – I’m glad you enjoyed the ideas! Try a thin white sock with a knot tied at the top.). I haven’t tried lemon balm in juice myself, but it seems like a little bit in moderation might be a good addition! When extracting through boiling water, best to steep leaves and not be tempted to simmer for more than 1 – 2 minutes, as it can turn bitter. :), Wonderful! https://delishably.com/beverages/Recipe-for-Fresh-Iced-Lemon-Balm-Tea With mixer, blender, or by hand cream the butter. Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home, Bookshop.org (supports local bookstores! I just got some seeds I will plant then I can’t wait to see them and do all the great thing. :), Thank you so much. I remember last year that I thought of several more mint ideas, I just never got around to trying them out. There are so many directions you could take a lemon balm ice cream, and many recipes combine the fresh herbs with summer fruits. My batch of lemon balm has reached the year mark. How to use Lemon Balm medicinally. Spread on the butter, and top with cooked asparagus. :). Herbs to Avoid if You Have Autoimmune Disease. I’m not sure about the faint rotting smell though. I have all this lemon balm and would really like to make your tea or syrup for relaxation and to help sleep, but I do take thyroid medication. This is an awesome post! 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. You can then store it for up to a year, like you store home canned goods for up to a year. Drizzle the salads with honey or a dressing made of yogurt and honey. Hang from the spigot and let the water run through as the tub fills. Add honey (about 1/4 cup) and stir until dissolved. It's easy to make at home, using either store bought or home grown lemon balm leaves. Lemon balm cut and ready to go. With slight pressure start grading the lemon. 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. https://www.google.com/search?q=south+african+plant+nursery+lemon+balm Avoid garlic salt, as this will make the butter too salty. I’ve been watching this plant sweep over its neighbors in my garden and I must act! hey ,I’m from south Africa and i need to know where i can get the plant or where i can buy the tea. It’s a perfect way to use up some extra lemon balm from your garden! Or maybe that would be a face wash of sorts… but still – good ideas! Preheat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. If it were me, I’d probably experiment with mixing it with some clay first, perhaps French green clay. The butter flavor mixed with the lemon will make your vegetables pop in your mouth with pure deliciousness. But the roots? Hi Sandra! This is a favorite kid activity around here! Can lemon balm be grown from seed or is this a plant that is best purchased from a nursery? You can use it right away, or let sit for 24 hours or more. Mix half a stick (4 tablespoons) of softened butter with a pinch of finely chopped lemon balm. To brew a hot cup, Use 2 Tablespoons of fresh chopped leaves to every 8 ounces of boiling water. This will sure come in handy this year, when I get my lemon balm. I’m so glad you found it useful! I use the leaves to flavour my tea every sunday. Hi Angela, Congratulations! Some links on this site are affiliate links; I only recommend products I personally use and enjoy. In the Kitchen: Lemon Balm. I presume that the potency of the plant material isn’t as strong, that’s why it has that shelf life.. Hi Sandra! Butter molds come in all shapes and sizes. I hope that you find lemon balm helps you feel better! I will try my best to link up next Wednesday! Lemon Balm Lemon Butter can be used to cook chicken, fish or pork. My goodness, but what a nice surprise. % Daily Value * Hi Suzie! Lemon Balm Recipes for Frozen Treats. while Thinking About Food made Lemon […], my doctor recently prescribed me 223 lemon balm pills a day for severe anxiety and trouble sleeping. Can that be used in the same way as lemon balm? DIRECTIONS. Thank you for all the tips!! Use lemon balm in cookies and cakes. Which is better? :). Lemon Balm Lemonade. Hi Jana, My once tiny lemon balm plant constantly threatens to take over one portion of my garden. :), […] compounds with powerful antioxidant properties). Or add it to your favorite sugar cookie dough for a delicious lemony tea cookie. Thanks for these great ideas!! If you want the best effects from Lemon Balm (to help sleep), can you just eat the whole plant?. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. This certainly does happen INDEED! I’m so happy to have found this link just when I was wondering what to do with my lemon balm! 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. 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. Simmer, covered partially, until the liquid is reduced in half. You can sprinkle the paprika on top to add a decorative touch. ), but I let fresh herbs infuse in witch hazel for about a week. 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 Angee! I love this post and definitely will be bookmarking it. Jan! Would using it for lip balm be considered using it internally (or close enough) ? The best part is that it’s yet another way to help use up some of my abundance of lemon balm and other herbs! Your post came just at the right time! While still quite warm, measure out about 1/2 cup of the concentrated tea and stir 1/4 cup raw honey into it. Pour in cold water until it reaches the top. What a wonderful thing to find in your garden! I am so excited to start using my herbs for things other than cooking. The website thenerdyfarmwife.com, operating under Honey Bee Hill Creatives LLC, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. How exciting to have your own herb garden to enjoy and make fun things with! Glad I didn’t plant it with my basil as between the 2 of them my raised bed would be over run. Butter molds are a fantastic way to show off the herbal butter. All recipes are made and used at your own risk. Hi Larry, What a great gift! Also, is it witch Hazel extract? Best wishes from the UK. You should be able to make a lemon balm tea and use it for the liquid in any face mask recipe you find online. Thanks Mx, You’re welcome Madeleine – I’m glad you found the post useful! Allow to air dry and keep it on your skin as long as possible to help soothe the itchiness and inflammation. Actually, it’s a breath of fresh air. 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. Thanks. I was looking forward to making lemon balm tea this year after reading the article. Store in your refrigerator for several months. Add the honey as you are whisking the butter to the cream stage. I hope you enjoy your wonderful lemon balm! I am so happy to find out how to use it. Hold tight they don’t come that often :) How about using oatmeal /porridge oats as a face mask.using the lemon leaves. Hi Tammy! I hope it does well for you! What a wonderful idea – thanks for sharing Amber! Mine seems to have world domination plans as well! Available from your favorite bookstore or the following book sellers: 9+ Things to Make with Purple Dead Nettle, Ginger & Lemon Balm Honey Syrup for Colds & Flu. Needless to say, I follow this, and I applaud your responses to those asking about their Hypothyroidism. 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. You’re welcome! It was on my “To Do” list today to harvest and wilt lemon balm. Hi Leigh – I’m glad you enjoyed reading! I’ll have to try some of the other recipes out. 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. I especially like to toss a few fresh leaves into a salad or a bowl of mixed fresh fruit or use it in a vinaigrette for marinades and salads. You can buy them from specialty kitchen or culinary supply stores. Hi Aud, I’m so happy that you’ve found the site useful! Your grow tent sounds wonderful! See great recipes for Lemon Balm, Sweet Basil, and Cinnamon Tea too! I saw your helpful website and thought I’d ask. I found several interesting ways to use lemon balm that I’m excited to try. I’m off to trim the plants! I hope you’re able to find some! There are lots of things to do with lemon balm and I hope you enjoy your plant! You can find the full recipe in my blog post, Lemon Balm Soap. You can use garlic powder or finely chopped garlic. This soap recipe is made with lemon balm tea and naturally scented with lemongrass. Some can be quite powerful. You could try freezing it in your icebox/ freezer :), Thanks for the reply Alyssa! If you can’t find them in your home town, check on the internet. That would be up to the doctor that prescribed your medication since he/she knows the severity of your condition, the amount you take & the numbers on your blood work. * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. 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! Place about 3/4 cup lemon balm leaves into a small pot and add enough water to just cover the leaves. I’m sorry that I didn’t see Cheryl’s comment earlier! Kentucky Forager is making Lemon Balm Syrup with theirs. Please log in again. I’m happy you found the post useful & hope you have lots of fun making lemon-balmy things! Pour the boiling water into the pitcher and stir well, crushing the lemon balm leaves to release their flavor. Thanks again! Cant wait for summer and cool drinks in the shade. (No bath bags handy? Fiber 0 g That is a great idea!