Lemon balm, or melissa, is one of the most well-known and appreciated plants in Brazilian herbal medicine. Famous for its citrus aroma and calming properties, it is a constant presence in homemade teas and natural recipes aimed at relaxation and digestion.  In addition to being easy to find, it is a simple plant to cultivate, which can be kept in pots or garden beds, both in external and internal projects. By combining beauty, fragrance, and benefits for the body and mind, lemon balm is an excellent choice for those who want to include more green and well-being in their daily lives. ## Origin and Characteristics Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family, the same as mint and basil. Native to Europe and the Middle East, it spread rapidly around the world due to its versatility and resilience.  Its leaves are green and slightly serrated, releasing a soft and refreshing perfume when crushed. It can reach up to 80 centimeters in height and forms small dense shrubs, ideal for flower beds or decorative pots. Being perennial, lemon balm remains alive for several years as long as it receives proper care and good sunlight exposure. ## How to Cultivate and Propagate  Lemon balm is a rustic plant, easily adaptable and simple to cultivate. Here’s what it needs to thrive: ### Seedlings or Seeds Cultivation can be done from seeds or seedlings. Seedlings tend to grow faster and ensure more vigorous plants. ### Soil Prefer a loose, fertile, and well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter. Lemon balm does not like waterlogging. ### Light It needs full sun or partial shade. In hot regions, it is ideal to protect it from the strong afternoon sun. ### Watering Keep the soil moist, but never waterlogged. Water two to three times a week, or more on dry days. ### Temperature It adapts well to mild and tropical climates, preferring temperatures between 18 °C and 30 °C. ### Fertilization Apply organic fertilizer or worm humus every 30 to 45 days to stimulate leaf growth. ### Pruning Perform light and regular pruning to prevent the plant from flowering prematurely and losing the aroma of the leaves. ### Seedlings Lemon balm easily multiplies through cuttings — just cut a healthy stem, place it in water until roots form, and then transfer it to the soil. ## External or Internal Projects Lemon balm can be cultivated in both external and internal projects, as long as the location is well-lit and ventilated. In gardens, it grows more vigorously and can be used to form aromatic borders or small flower beds.  In internal environments, pot cultivation is ideal. Place the pot near a sunny window, ensuring at least a few hours of direct sunlight per day. If the space receives little light, using grow lamps can help maintain the healthy development of the plant. The natural aroma of lemon balm also helps to repel insects, making it an excellent option for balconies, backyards, and kitchen windows. ## Medicinal and Culinary Uses Lemon balm is widely used for its calming, digestive, and antispasmodic properties. Tea prepared with its leaves is recommended for relieving anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and intestinal cramps. It can also help reduce muscle tension and promote a natural sense of relaxation.  In gastronomy, lemon balm is quite versatile. Its fresh leaves can be used to flavor juices, desserts, syrups, and even savory dishes. When added to fruit salads, they provide a citrusy and refreshing touch. Meanwhile, iced lemon balm tea is a light and invigorating drink, perfect for hot days.  In addition to culinary uses, lemon balm is a common ingredient in cosmetic and therapeutic products, such as essential oils, soaps, and air fresheners, due to its relaxing effect and pleasant fragrance. *CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.*
