Melisse my new Love

I have found a new love call Melisse. Melisse is also known as a lemon balm not to be mistaking with lemon grass. Two weeks ago I notice this beautiful lush of green leaves and it was quite different from my other herbal plants. I would use in decoration or cooking. So I said why not, if it taste nasty than than the leaves can be a nice decor as a photo prop.

The first thing I did was place it in front of my kitchen window so it wouldn’t die quick. But I have read this particular plant will grow in the sun or shade. It does not matter. It is like the perfect plant because plants last a week with me indoor. I tasted a leaf and found it to be quite interested in a good way. That day I made a breakfast sandwich and said these leaves are pretty for a photo. I place a few inside and took a photo. After the food photo shoot I took a bite. My goodness it was so good that I made another one. Sadly it only lasted for two weeks because I am just bad with indoor plants. I either water it too much or not enough who knows. I had to throw it out and buy a new plant to take its place at Lidle. Lidle is the only store around here that I have notice have this plant. I have went to the big name stores and could not find it. Sad thing is at the same Lidle I bought it from they hardly have it either. I think not too many people know of it so they keep a low stock. This gave me the push to do a research to see what is it really and what is it good for. Also where could I buy the seeds:)

Melisse is a perennial, 50-75 cm tall, bushy plant. It helps with sleep disorders, nervousness, herpes blisters, athlete’s foot, bile disorders, rheumatism, toothaches, headaches and stress. In addition, lemon balm stimulates the appetite. Melissa combat stomach cramps, difficult digestion with flatulence, and headaches. More info can be found on Wiki. It does not give a lot of information as the German Wiki and the American Wiki call it Melissa with an “a” instead of an “e” at the end.

The lemon balm, is grown in gardens since ancient times. Originally from Europe, it was introduced in North America. Stems and leaves are still used as a tonic and mild stimulant. The alcohol obtained by distillation of fresh leaves: water lemon balm has antispasmodic properties. Lemon balm can also be consumed as herbal teas.

In cooking, lemon balm gives a fresh flavor to meat, poultry, fish, soups, puddings, fruit salads and vegetables. It is used in Spain to flavor the milk.Use in salads, sauces, vegetables and meat dishes, herbs and tea production, punch, with fish and mushroom dishes. Who knew I was going to find something I was merely thinking to use as a photo prop which has a huge health benefits in all sort of ways. I will start to buy this particular plant more often/ grow it.