Which lemon-scented herb is used to make a calming tea and has antiviral properties? Lemon balm is the answer.
Lemon balm is Melissa officinalis, a perennial member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its softly hairy, scalloped leaves release a lemon-like aroma when rubbed, and fresh or dried leaves are commonly steeped for herbal tea. Traditional herbal use associates the tea with relaxation, mild digestive comfort, and a calmer mood.
The plant’s scientific name preserves part of its history: Melissa is Greek for “honey bee,” reflecting the flowers’ attraction to bees, while officinalis refers to an apothecary or medicinal shop. Lemon balm originated across parts of the Mediterranean, southern Europe, Central Asia, and Iran, but it is now cultivated and naturalized widely.
Laboratory and pharmacological studies have reported antiviral activity in lemon balm extracts, including activity studied against herpes simplex viruses. That does not mean a cup of tea cures viral infections; concentration, preparation, and evidence from human trials differ greatly. Lemon balm is also easy to confuse with lemongrass, but the two belong to different plant families and have different growth forms.