What is the difference between Lemon verbena&lemon balm?
Lemon verbena and lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis) have similar uses in the kitchen. Lemon balm is a hardy perennial and will return in the landscape each year in zones 3 to 7. However, as a member of the mint family, lemon balm spreads vigorously and can become invasive. On the plus side, it is more shade-tolerant than lemon verbena.
Is lemon balm a perennial?
Lemon balm is a hardy perennial and will return in the landscape each year in zones 3 to 7. As a member of the mint family, lemon balm spreads vigorously and can become invasive. On the plus side, it is more shade-tolerant than lemon verbena. You can distinguish lemon balm from lemon verbena by its rounded, wrinkled leaves on low growing plants.
What does a lemon verbena look like?
The spear-shaped leaves of lemon verbena grow quickly in hot summer weather, replenishing the plant as you harvest throughout the growing season. For those who live where lemon verbena is hardy, the plant can become an anchoring shrub in your landscape, ready to release its citrusy aroma whenever you brush by.
Is lemon balm invasive?
However, as a member of the mint family, lemon balm spreads vigorously and can become invasive. On the plus side, it is more shade-tolerant than lemon verbena.
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What is another name for lemon verbena?
Over time, lemon verbena has been known by many names: Lippiatriphylla, Verbena triphylla, Lippia citriodora, Aloysiacitriodora, Verveine citronelle or odorante, Herb Louisa andlemon-scented verbena.
Can I use lemon balm instead of lemon verbena?
While lemon verbena is often used as a seasoning for fruits and desserts, lemon balm is more often used for flavoring meats, fish and poultry or added to vegetable dishes. Both are used as garnishes for cold drinks and can be used interchangeably in recipes.
What is another name for lemon balm?
Lemon balm is available under the following different brand and other names: balm, bee balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, honey plant, Melissa, Melissa folium, Melissa officinalis, sweet balm, and sweet Mary.
Is verbena different than lemon verbena?
Vervain herb is often confused with lemon verbena. Lemon verbena is actually an entirely different plant. Both vervain and lemon verbena are in the same plant family, but there are many plants in the Verbena family. Not all are used medicinally in the same ways as vervain.
What is the benefits of lemon balm?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).
What can I use in place of lemon verbena?
Lemon Verbena SubstituteMint Family. Two plants that have lemon-flavored leaves are in the mint family. ... Lemongrass. Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical perennial grass, and it's often treated as an annual in Northern gardens. ... Lemon Basil. ... Other Lemony Herbs.
Can you eat lemon balm?
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.
Does lemon balm help you sleep?
Lemon balm has been studied in patients suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. In a pilot trial, in which it was administered via standardized extracts, lemon balm was shown to reduce anxiety (a primary barrier to quality sleep) by 18% and lower insomnia by 42%.
Does lemon balm lower blood pressure?
In this study in people with essential hypertension, supplementation with lemon balm extract led to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This Study Summary was published on January 4, 2022.
What herb is similar to lemon balm?
You May Also LikeLemon balm.Chervil.Chives.Borage.
Does lemon balm work for anxiety?
2. It can help reduce anxiety. Lemon balm may also be used to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and excitability. Research published in 2014 examined the mood and cognitive effects of foods containing lemon balm.
What is lemon verbena tea good for?
Lemon verbena has been used for centuries, if not millennia. There's is a long history of its use in traditional medicine for treating colds, fever, anxiety, indigestion, spasms, and insomnia. It is also popular as an infusion for boosting the immune system and a natural aid for weight loss.
What herb is similar to lemon balm?
You May Also LikeLemon balm.Chervil.Chives.Borage.
How do you cook with lemon balm?
More lemon balm uses in the kitchensubstitute it for lemon zest in your favourite recipes;use it in stuffing for your roast chicken or turkey;make tea, syrup, jam or infused oil;create a pesto for fish dishes;pick a few leaves to top ice cream dishes and other desserts;More items...•
What does lemon balm plant smell like?
The green leaves of lemon balm have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint, with leaves that look like oversized mint — no surprise, since lemon balm is part of the mint family.
Is lemon balm same as lemongrass?
Lemon balm has a lighter flavor than lemon grass, but it gives off a very zesty scent that makes it perfect for aromatic teas. It won't alter the flavor of your tea as much, but it will add just the slightest lemony tang that gives you the hint of acid you want.
What is the difference between lemon balm and verbena?
Lemon verbena produces a more intense lemon flavor and scent, but lemon balm emits a burst of zesty lemon scent with the slightest touch. Both can be used in sachets or herbal bouquets to freshen the air and lift the spirits.
What is the color of lemon verbena?
The light to medium green leaves of lemon verbena are long and thin with pointed margins. This plant produces foliage along a 2- to 3-inch stem. Lemon balm produces light green rounded leaves with scalloped edges that are slightly crinkled in appearance.
How tall does Lemon Verbena grow?
Size. Lemon verbena reaches a height of approximately 3 feet and grows upright. Some varieties of lemon verbena grow into small shrubs and reach heights of 5 to 10 feet in Mediterranean climates. Lemon balm grows 2 to 3 feet tall and creates a dense mound of foliage in early spring.
Is rose scented with lemon?
A rose by any other name may still smell as sweet, but when it comes to lemon-scented herbs, there are some differences. Lemon verbena (Aloysia ciriodora or A. Triphylla) and lemon balm (melissa officinalis) often confuse new gardeners. Although the herbs are similar in fragrance and flavor, they differ in appearance and hardiness.
Can you use lemon balm in tea?
Both lemon verbena and lemon balm can be used to flavor teas. While lemon verbena is often used as a seasoning for fruits and desserts, lemon balm is more often used for flavoring meats, fish and poultry or added to vegetable dishes. Both are used as garnishes for cold drinks and can be used interchangeably in recipes.
How to get a lemon balm smell?
Lemon balm has short leaves with scalloped edges. Crush a lemon balm leaf and you will smell warmth . To me, that is also a great indication of how I use the two herbs.
How to use dried leaves in baking?
My preferred method for using their leaves in baking is to add several leaves (fresh or dried) into the sugar portion of the recipe. Whirl in a food processor to finely mince the leaves and release the oils directly into the sugar. The sugar is then incorporated into the recipe where the scent and taste can be enjoyed throughout.
Can you bake with lemon balm?
If I want to make a warm cup of tea to soothe a sore throat, lemon balm is my first choice. I also prefer to bake with lemon verbena, as I find it brings a bright zest to most recipes. Both lemon verbena and lemon balm can be easily dried for winter use.
Is lemon balm winter hardy?
Lemon balm is extremely winter hardy and can survive temperatures up to 20 below. Lemon verbena, however, is frost tender around 30 degrees. I have had a few plants overwinter in sheltered locations in my zone 8a garden, but they are nowhere near as robust as they were the previous year.
Is lemon balm a mint?
Lemon balm is in the mint family, which means…. It would overtake the world if given the chance. I always, always, always plant lemon balm (and mints) in containers. For me, one lemon balm plant is sufficient. It has an impressive root system and will readily spread to fill a container. Or the neighborhood.
Does lemon balm need water?
Lemon balm would love an extra drink or two of water, but certainly does not need it. But it is forgiving to occasional over-watering. When grown in a container, allow for good drainage for both herbs. Both herbs prefer a sunny location, but are happy with some afternoon relief in the hottest of Texas summers.
Is lemon verbena a perennial or annual?
Lemon verbena is a woody annual herb, which grows and produces leaves along one central woody stalk. I generally plant half dozen plants each spring, some in containers and some in the ground. I don’t use all that I plant, but it is a lovely carefree addition to the garden.