Commonly called by its Latin first name, Melissa, lemon balm is a native of southern Europe, often planted in gardens to attract bees. Its leaves give off a delicate lemon odor when bruised.
Medical authorities of ancient Greece and Rome mentioned topical lemon balm as a treatment for wounds. The herb was, and in some cases still is, used orally as a treatment for generalized anxiety, influenza, insomnia, depression, panic disorder and nervous stomach.
