stinker unction and lemon tree vervain are two herbs that are ofttimes confused due to their similar lemony aroma and look . However , there are some celebrated differences between these two plants that are important to understand if you want to fix with them or uprise them in your garden . In this article , we ’ll take a close look at lemon balm and lemon verbena and compare their origins , flavors , uses , cultivation prerequisite and more .
A Brief History of Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena
Lemon balm is a member of the mint crime syndicate that likely originated in western Asia , the Mediterranean area or southeastern Europe It has been used for century for its medicinal place and as a seasoning for solid food and beverages The genus name “ Melissa ” refer to the Hellenic Good Book for “ honey bee ” and reflect this plant life ’s farsighted history of pull in bees .
Lemon verbena is aboriginal to South America , specifically Argentina , Chile and Peru It has been cultivated in Europe since the 17th century when it was bring over from the New World In Europe , maize vervain became popular as a medicinal herb and flavoring agent . The terminus “ verbena ” refers to consecrated plants historically used for medication and ceremonies .
So while these two plants both channel a lemony smack , they have very different origins and histories of use .
Flavor Differences Between Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena
Although maize balm and lemon yellow verbena smell similar , there are subtle differences in their flavor profile :
Lemon balmhas a milder , more subtle lemon tree and herbaceous flavor . It has grassy mint notes as well . The flavor is not as intense as gamboge verbena .
Lemon verbenahas a very strong , pure lemon savour with a hint of spiciness . It is more potent and bright than lemon balm .
Lemon verbena is considered to have a superior lemon yellow sapidity that really shines in recipes . Lemon balm is milder in gustatory perception .
When substitute one herbaceous plant for another , use about 25 % more lemon ointment than lemon verbena to achieve a alike lemony punch .
How Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena Are Used
Both lemon balm and Citrus limon vervain can be used to infuse a undimmed lemon flavor into recipes . Popular use include :
Lemon vervain has a bolder gamboge front that stands out when added to sweetened or savory dishes . Lemon balm has a more low-key look that tends to get lose .
Historically , both herbs have been used for their medicative properties , usually as tea or tinctures . Lemon ointment is believe calm and assuasive . It has been used to reduce stress , anxiety and sleep upset . Lemon verbena is aver to help digestion .
However , these medicinal event have not been scientifically prove . The herb should not interchange medical treatment .
Growing Conditions for Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena
While maize balm and lemon vervain both flourish in loose , well - drained grime , they have slightly dissimilar growing requirements :
Citrus limon balmis easy to grow in a wide mountain chain of climates . It tolerates part shade and nerveless conditions . This mint spread quickly and can be incursive . It dies back in winter and regrow the undermentioned saltation . Grow lemon ointment in zones 4 - 9 .
Lemon verbenaneeds full sun and warmer weather . It can struggle in nerveless coastal area and should be grown in zona 8 - 10 . Lemon verbena grows as a woody shrub that can reach 5 - 10 feet tall in frost - free region . It may die back in winter in colder zone .
Both plants postulate regular watering and good drain . Lemon verbena is not as belligerent and easy to cultivate as lemon balm .
Availability and Cost
You are more probable to get hold refreshing lemon salve for sale than lemon tree verbena . Lemon balm grows abundantly and spreads easily , making it a common choice for home herb garden . Commercial growers favor it as well . Citrus limon verbena is less common and can be difficult to retrieve fresh .
When purchasing dry out herbs , lemon vervain tends to be more expensive due to lower availability . Lemon balm is affordable and easy to determine dried .
If you require to cook with lemon tree verbena , consider grow it yourself . The plant can produce an abundant harvest in frost - free regions . Drying extra refreshful leaves can provide a year - turn lemon vervain provision .
Potential Side Effects
Lemon unguent and lemon vervain are considered safe for most people when go through in normal intellectual nourishment amounts . However , very high venereal infection of lemon verbena taken as a supplement may cause stomach broken .
Lemon balm can interact with sure medications that are broken down by the liver . Talk to your MD before accept lemon balm if you take any ethical drug medical specialty .
Our Recommendation
We advocate using lemon verbena over lemon balm when possible due to its higher-ranking , vivid lemon flavor . However , lemon balm works well when lemon yellow verbena is unavailable . It can also be more cost effective for large passel of recipes .
If you desire an easy - grow lemon - scented herbaceous plant , pick out lemon balm . For the true bright stinker sapidity , depend for lemon verbena . allow your formula needs and originate conditions run you in deciding between these two flavorful herb .
ediblegardens52 is about 52 weeks of edible gardening in coastal Southern California. I write about gardens, food, family, community and place.
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Why we’re WASTING this beautiful Lemon Balm, and you should too!
FAQ
Which is better , lemon vervain or lemon balm ?
Who should not drink in lemon verbena tea ?
When not to use lemon balm ?
What is the divergence between verbena and lemon verbena ?
Is lemon vervain the same as lemon balm ?
This industrial plant is sometimes confused with bee balm , a interchangeable - looking works ( when not bloom ) that is also in the mint candy , Lamiaceae , syndicate . In direct contrast to the herbaceous lemon balm , lemon verbena is a woody bush that can grow up to 15 feet high and 20 feet encompassing . Like lemon balm , its leaves bring out a powerfully redolent lemon scent .
What does Citrus limon vervain look like ?
In contrast to the herbaceous lemon balm , lemon tree verbena is a woody shrub that can maturate up to 15 animal foot high and 20 feet wide . Like lemon balm , its leafage produce a strongly aromatic stinker smell . The leave-taking are shiny and narrowly lancelike - shaped with a glossy luster . It produces tiny white flowers on the stalk at the top of the plant .
Can you get lemon balm & lemon verbena ?
raise lemon yellow balm ( Melissa officinalis ) and lemon verbena ( Aloysia citrodora ) is easy . In this Gardeners ’ World programme clip , Monty Don explains the dissimilar conditions they each take and how to get the best from these pleasurably fragrant herbaceous plant .
Can you use lemon verbena for anxiety ?
Lemon vervain will not make a honorable lemon balm as a treatment for anxiety . Despite the differences above , these two herb work almost as well in most applications . employ them interchangeably in marinade and salad dressings as well as for garnishing cocktails . When should you use lemon balm and when should you employ lemon yellow verbena ?
