Lemon Balm Plant - Lemon Balm 'All Gold'

Lemon Balm 'All Gold' is a beautiful golden-leaved version of a popular perennial garden herb. Described by John Evelyn as 'sovereign for the brain, strengthening the memory, and powerfully chasing away melancholy', the strongly aromatic, lemon-scented leaves are guaranteed to lift the spirits, as well as adding a zing to your cooking. As its botanical name, Melissa, suggests, Lemon Balm is especially attractive to bees. The Greeks believed that it bring bees to an empty hive, or if planted next to a working hive would ensure that the bees never left. 

• Half-hardy perennial, reaching 60 cms (2 ft) in height, with a spread of 30 cms (12".)
• Happy in any rich, moist but well-drained soil. Plant in partial shade to avoid leaves scorching in the midday sun.
• Golden form more easily controlled and does not self-seed.
• Small white flowers are extremely attractive to bees.
• Harvest all summer, snipping or pinching out growing tips to keep plant bushy.
• Wll benefit from being grown in a container in cold areas. Overwinter pots in a cool, protected environment.

Culinary Uses

• Use in stuffings for lamb or pork.
• Add freshly chopped leaves to soft cheeses.
• Add fresh leaves to vinegar.
• Lemon balm leaves can be used to make a refreshing tisane.
• Goes well with fish and game dishes.
• Vital ingredient in Benedictine and Chartreuse.
• Makes a wonderful, unusual ice cream.

Medicinal Uses

• Lemon Balm tea is said to relieve headaches, and tension, and also to restore the memory.
• Can aid digestion and dispel flatulence and colic. 
• In aromatherapy, Lemon Balm oil is said to help with nervousness, depression, insomnia and nervous headaches.
• Lemon Balm oil may help eczema sufferers. 

Other Uses

• Rubbing Lemon Balm leaves on the skin is said to repel insects.