Also known as melissa, lemon-balm originated in the Near East. Benedictine missionaries first brought this herb to the West, planting it in kitchen gardens all over Europe. American colonists also used lemon-balm as a medicine and as a flavoring agent. It is said that Thomas Jefferson grew the plant at Monticello. The name lemon-balm can be attributed to the lemony scent of its nettle-like leaves. Similarly, its nickname melissa, which means "honeybee" in Greek is also a tribute to its distinctive fragrance, which attracts swarms of bees to the plant.
Today this oil is used for aromatherapy regimens, among other things. Add a couple of drops of lemon-balm oil to a diffuser to promote relaxation.
Many products labeled "lemon-balm oil" do not contain the real lemon-balm, but cheaper substitutes, such as lemon oil or lemongrass. Make sure the term "100 percent lemon-balm oil" is clearly printed on the label.
