Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a perennial subshrub that is farmed or grows wild in the woods, along roads, hedgerows and other cool, shady areas. The plant can reach 30-90cm in height, and grows in tufts, with hairy stems toward the top, and rough, waffle-like leaves that emit a lemon scent. Its white or pink flowers bloom in the summer and last until October. The Greek word for lemon balm, “melissa,” which means ‘bee”—is perfectly fitting since bees love this plant’s flowers and make a delicious honey from the nectar. Organic lemon balm is grown at Domaine Clarins—our open air laboratory and farm in the French Alps— following a Good Practices Charter regarding wild harvesting, which respects nature and the plant.