Lemon Bee Balm Uses
Lemon bee balm uses
(Monarda citriodora) Annual. This striking native wildflower is a pollinator magnet and flavorful culinary and tea herb. The lightly lemony flavor of the leaves makes this an excellent choice as a tea plant or for use in sweet and savory culinary preparations.
Can you eat lemon bee balm?
Lemon bee balm has been used medicinally to treat respiratory illnesses such as colds and coughs. It has a few culinary uses. Most people use it in teas or salads or to flavor desserts. It has also been used in wines and liqueurs.
Are bee balm and lemon balm the same?
Lemon balm (Melissa) is often called — and legitimately — bee balm, especially in England, where our bee balm may be called the “American” bee balm. Bee balm (Monarda didyma), also called bergamot, is a two to three foot showy plant with raggedy red flowers in July. If cut back, it blooms again.
Does lemon bee balm come back every year?
Although it is an annual, it will readily propagate by seed. If you leave flowers in place, this plant will spread. In fact, it can overrun areas of your garden, just like mint, where conditions are optimal.
Can you eat lemon balm plant raw?
The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after. Lemon balm has a long history of a wide array herbal medicine uses, in particular for soothing, calming and raising the spirit – just one smell of the crushed leaves does all of these for me.
Is lemon bee balm toxic to dogs?
Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.
Can you drink lemon balm tea?
Tea: 1.5 to 4.5 grams (1/4 to 1 tsp.) of dried lemon balm herb in hot water. Steep and drink up to 4 times daily. Tincture: 60 drops of lemon balm daily.
Does bee balm attract mosquitoes?
Bee balm will bring many pollinators to your garden like bees, hummingbirds and butterflies but mosquitoes don't like it. This plant is commonly used in jellies, tea and as a delicious garnish for salads and other dishes. Nepta contains the chemical nepetalactone which is a strong mosquito repellent.
Can you chew lemon balm leaves?
A leaf can be chewed to freshen the breath or crushed and placed on a bug bite to help ease the itch. Our favorite use is to turn it into a lip balm for cold sores! (See #3 below.) If you've ever planted lemon balm, you know how one tiny plant can quickly take over a large portion of your garden!
What bugs does bee balm keep away?
Common Pests or Diseases on Bee Balm:
- Aphids.
- Whiteflies.
- Spider mites.
- Stalk borers.
- Thrips.
Does lemon bee balm repel mosquitoes?
The lemony scent of lemon balm is also one that mosquitoes don't love, which makes it a perfect addition to your mosquito-repellent plant collection.
Does bee balm attract wasps?
Monarda fistulosa Wild bergamot is one of several plants also known by the common name of bee balm. Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.
Should you let lemon balm flower?
Keep plants well watered during dry spells in summer, and cut back after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of leaves. Lemon balm will self-seed readily, so if you don't want more plants, remember to remove the faded flowers before they set seed.
Is lemon balm invasive?
Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and become very invasive.
Is bee balm lemon invasive?
If you're asking whether bee balm can be aggressive, then the answer is yes – especially in its ideal growing environment with moist soil in a full sun to part shade location. However, it is not technically deemed invasive everywhere.
When should you not use lemon balm?
Stop using lemon balm at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Thyroid disease: Lemon balm may change thyroid function, reduce thyroid hormone levels, and interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Avoid lemon balm if you have thyroid disease.
Can you rub lemon balm leaves on your skin?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a herb in the mint family. It can be consumed as a tea, taken as a supplement or extract, or rubbed on the skin in balms and lotions.
What part of lemon balm is used for tea?
Homemade lemon balm tea can be made using fresh leaves or dried leaves right from lemon balm plants in your own backyard garden. If you choose to use dried leaves, start by harvesting fresh leaves from the plant.
Where is the best place to plant lemon balm?
Choose a shady spot or a location where plants can be protected from midday sun. Lemon balm prefers a fertile, moist soil in a cooler part of the garden. Plants grown in partial shade will be larger and more succulent than those exposed to full sun. Pick leaves throughout the summer for fresh use.
What part of lemon bee balm is edible?
In fact, the entire above-ground plant is edible. Lemon bee balm makes a great addition to any pollinator garden, as its showy flowers and lemony scent attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
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