Lemon balm

Lemon balm grows in relatively cool locations with deep soils, near streams, fences, in shrubland and forest gaps of low and medium altitudes. It has been observed in a limited number of places, in small numbers.

It is not a very common species on Mt. Paggaio, and thus its population is not expected to be very large. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant with many, erect or ascending, branching stems, up to 100 cm tall. The stems are square, covered with small and soft, glandular hairs, mixed with long non-glandular hairs. The leaves are ovate with serrated edges. The flowers are white or light pink, 6-12 grouped together in verticillasters. It flowers from June to September. If you have forgotten what you have read so far, you probably need the help of lemon balm. The plant is attributed many beneficial properties, the improvement of memory among them. It is an important aromatic, medicinal and excellent beekeeping plant. Also, an excellent “cooking herb”, it can be used to flavor from drinks, salads and sauces to main dishes and desserts. There are creams available that contain lemon balm extract to treat herpes simplex virus. It is a traditional herbal medicine for the relief of mild symptoms of mental stress, for the symptomatic treatment of mild gastrointestinal disorders, also with tonic, appetizing and sweating properties.

Both its geographical distribution and the size of its population are not estimated to be large. However, the fact that it is not collected in Paggaio implies a stable population. No actions have been recorded, which would lead to a reduction in its spread and population.

Good.

Lemon balm is assigned to the “LC-Least Concern” category by IUCN, which does not necessarily mean that the species is safe or should not be protected. It rather means that the species “is not in immediate extinction risk if the current conditions are maintained”. It is not subjected to any national or international conservation status.