Lemon Balm at the Shakespeare Garden
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Lemon Balm at the Shakespeare Garden *
Lemon Balm * Balsam * Balsamum * Melissa officinalis
In quotation from Antony and Cleopatra, Cleopatra refers to the snake’s venom she is using to kill herself being as tasty as “balm” and bringing her death about softly and without pain or suffering. It is usually presumed to be lemon balm. Because of the use of balm as a soothing agent, the word became synonymous with succor in general.
“As sweet as Balm, as soft as air, as gentle.”
-Cleopatra, Antony and Cleopatra (Scene V, Act II)
A member of the mint family, this citrusy herb is used widely in aromatherapy due to its refreshingly bright and pleasing aroma. Lemon Balm is also cultivated for its medicinal value and is often used in alternative medicine.
This perennial thrives in rich, well-drained soil, sun to part shade, and it grows best in zones four to nine. Its rich nectar attracts bees.
Lemon Balm is used in teas and as a flavoring herb culinarily.
“The several chairs of order look you scour
With juice of balm and every precious flower.
Each fair instalment, coat, and several crest,
With loyal blazon, evermore be blest.”
— Mistress Quickly, Merry Wives of Windsor (Act V, Scene II)
Learn more about our plants at the Shakespeare Garden
