Lemon Balm: Summer's Little Breath of Fresh Air!

Before summer slips away, take a moment to slow down

Lemon Balm in a garden

By August, summer has settled in.

The tomatoes are finally showing off, the basil is trying to take over the garden, and the weeds... well, they've clearly been working overtime. If your summer has felt like one long to-do list, consider this your permission slip to slow down.

Meet lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), the cheerful herb with soft green leaves and the fresh scent of lemons. Give a leaf a gentle rub between your fingers, close your eyes, and you'll understand why gardeners have treasured it for centuries. For generations, lemon balm has been enjoyed as a soothing herb, often brewed into teas to encourage moments of calm and relaxation.

Here's something you may not know: despite its name, lemon balm isn't related to lemons at all. It's actually a member of the mint family, which explains why it's such a vigorous grower. Another fun fact? The botanical name Melissa comes from the Greek word for "honeybee." Bees absolutely adore its tiny white flowers, making it a wonderful addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

And if you haven't planted it yet, don't worry! In Zone 7, there's still time to tuck a lemon balm plant into a container or garden bed. While it may not become as large as a spring planting, you'll likely enjoy fresh leaves well into early fall. Once established, it often returns year after year, making it one of the easiest herbs to welcome into the garden.

🌿 Did You Know?

Save Summer for Later!

Don't let those fragrant lemon balm leaves go to waste. Simply tuck a few fresh leaves into an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. Drop a cube into iced tea, sparkling water, or lemonade for a refreshing splash of the garden long after summer has faded.

It's an easy way to enjoy a little taste of August—even on a chilly autumn afternoon.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy lemon balm is the simplest. It's light, refreshing, and tastes like summer in a glass.

🍋 Lemon Balm Summer Cooler

Ingredients

• 8–10 fresh lemon balm leaves

• 2 cups cold water

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1–2 teaspoons honey (optional)

• Ice

• Lemon slices for garnish

Directions

1. Gently bruise the lemon balm leaves with the back of a spoon to release their fragrance.

2. Add the leaves to a pitcher with the cold water and let steep in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours.

3. Remove the leaves and stir in the lemon juice and honey, if using.

4. Pour over ice and garnish with a fresh lemon slice.
   

Before August gives way to cooler days, spend a few quiet minutes in your garden—or on your porch—with something refreshing in hand. Listen to the bees, admire what's still blooming, and remind yourself that not every summer moment has to be productive.

Sometimes the best thing growing in the garden is the habit of slowing down.

With green blessings and gentle care,

Gloria

Disclaimer:

The Food & Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements made on this website. The information provided by this website, or this company is for informational purposes only, it is not meant to substitute for medical advice or diagnosis provided by your physician or other medical professionals and is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a health care provider and should not be construed as individual medical advice. Always consult your physician or health care provider before using any herbal products.