The Magickal Uses of Lemon Balm

Plant/herb – Lemon Balm 

(Melissa Officinalis)

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), known for its fresh, lemony scent and mild, uplifting flavour. It grows up to 30-60 cm (1-2 feet) tall in bushy clumps with oval, heart shaped,  serrated leaves and small white or pale yellow flowers that bloom in summer, attracting bees and other pollinators. 

Where It Grows: Originally native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, lemon balm is now naturalized throughout much of Europe, North America, and other temperate climates around the world. It prefers sunny locations but can tolerate partial shade and thrives in rich, well-drained soil.

Lemon Balm is propagated by cuttings, seeds or division of the roots. It self-seeds readily and can spread if not managed, especially in moist, rich soils. For this reason it is suggested that Lemon Balm be planted in pots to keep it contained.

Harvesting Lemon Balm:

Harvest just before the plant flowers, as this is when the essential oils are most

concentrated. Early morning, after the dew has dried, is best.

·       How to Harvest: Use sharp scissors or shears to snip stems above a leaf node. Harvest regularly to encourage fresh growth and delay flowering.

·       Drying: Hang bunches in a cool, dry, and dark place, or use a dehydrator at low heat. Store dried leaves in an airtight container away from sunlight.

 

 

Magickal & Mundane  Uses Of Lemon Balm

Over the years, Lemon Balm has had a multitude of mundane and magickal applications. In culinary uses,  Lemon Balm makes a fantastic tea, especially iced tea. Lemon Balm has a mild- lemony flavour that pairs well with delicate foods such as fish.

Medicinally, Lemon Balm has been said to restore nerves and aid emotional wellbeing. This can also be seen in its magickal applications especially in reference to Lemon Balm having a healing effect on the heart.

Magickally, Lemon Balm has a rich history. Since Roman times, Lemon Balm has been rubbed onto bee hives to encourage the bees to return to the hive and also to attract new bees- hence its associations with healing family ties and bringing people together. It has also been a custom in certain areas to rub wooden furniture with Lemon balm to increase the shine on the wood and to drive away evil spirits.

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis

Folk Names: Balm, Bee balm, Lemon balm, Melissa, Sweet Balm, Sweet Melissa, Tourengane, Oghoul, Toronjil

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon, Venus, Jupiter

Element: Water, Air

Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Gemini

Day: Monday

Powers: Love, Healing, Purification, Success

Parts Used: Whole herb & Essential oil

A quick note on Lemon Balm (Melissa) essential oil- 100% Melissa Officinalis essential oil is VERY EXPENSIVE. As such it is often adulterated/reconstituted. If you happen to find a lemon balm oil that is cheap-the likelihood is that it is not real! You do not need to use the oil to achieve the magickal benefits of this plant- you are best to grow it and build a relationship with it yourself, however if you are looking for the oil for aromatherapy purposes, use a reputable supplier and if the price is too good to be true- you are probably better off going elsewhere.

 

Some Of The Magickal Uses Of Lemon Balm Include:

1. Love Magick: Lemon balm is said to attract a gentle love and has the power to heal broken hearts.
2. Healing: Lemon Balm is said to be especially good in promoting healing.
3. Emotional healing: Lemon Balm heals emotions such as grief and sorrow and also helps to promote compassion, especially self-directed compassion/ self love.
4. Relationship mending/healing emotions- lemon balm not only attracts love but is also useful in healing the heart when a relationship has ended.
5. Increases abundance- The prolific nature of Lemon balm makes it an herb of abundance and success. Add it to spells to attract abundance into your life

How To Use Lemon Balm in Magick

1. Rub Lemon Balm on wooden furniture to remove negativity / repel evil
2. Use Lemon Balm as an aspergillum (sprinkler) to banish negativity and create a happy, uplifting environment.
3. Add Lemon Balm to your tea- infuse 30g Lemon balm in boiled water for 15
   
    minutes, let cool and drink.
4. Sniff fresh Lemon Balm (slightly bruise the leaves to draw out the scent) to enhance sleep, dream and trancework.
5. Add an infusion of Lemon Balm to your ritual bath to promote healing and reduce emotional distress.
6. Add Lemon Balm to a mojo bag and carry with you to attract love.
7. Add Lemon Balm to healing incenses, sachets and poppets.
8. Plant Lemon Balm in pots at your front door to create family harmony and help deter negativity (and mosquitos).
9. Use Lemon Balm in love spells to attract the right kind of person towards you
10. Use an infusion of Lemon Balm to wash your floors and rid your home of negative energy after arguments/ illness
11. Use in spells to ensure success
12. Use in spells to promote harmony within the home
13. Brew a tea of Lemon Balm and add it to your bath for purification against negativity.

Let us know what you think about this fantastic herb. Do you use it for mundane purposes, magickal purposes, or both? We'd love to hear your experiences.

Please note: This information is for entertainment purposes only and should not replace professional advice.  I am not a qualified herbalist/doctor and am only reporting self-researched information. If you choose to use Lemon Balm, especially internally, please consult a professional first.

Do not use Lemon Balm if you are allergic to mint or other herbs in the Lamiaceae family.

If you are looking for Lemon Balm products, check out our range here

 

References:

Cunningham, S. (2023). Cunningham's Encyclopedia Of Magical Herbs (2nd ed., p. 43-44). Llewellyn Publications. 

Diaz, J. (2020). Plant Witchery (pp. 214-215). Hay House.

Nock, J.A. (2019). The Modern Witchcraft Guide To Magickal Herbs (p.118). Adams House.

Grieve, M. (1978). A Modern Herbal (pp. 76-77). Penguin Books.

Mastros, S. L. (2021). The Big Book Of Magical Incense (pp. 53-54). Weiser Books. 

Margaret, A. (2024). Green Witch's Guide To Herbal Magick (pp. 84-85). Page Street Publishing Co.

Cunningham, S. (2022). Magical Aromatherapy (pp. 104-105). Llewellyn Worldwide.

Kane, A. (2021). Herbal Magic (p. 125). Quarto US.