Lemon Balm vs Lemon Verbena: Which Lemon-Scented Herb Should You Choose?

Lemon balm and lemon verbena are two of the most popular lemon-scented herbs grown in herb gardens With their bright citrusy flavors, these herbs can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. But should you choose lemon balm or lemon verbena for your kitchen and garden?

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll look at the key differences between these two herbs so you can decide which one is right for you.

A Brief History

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family that likely originated in western Asia, the Mediterranean region or southeastern Europe It has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and as a flavoring for foods and beverages The genus name “Melissa” refers to the Greek word for “honey bee” and reflects this plant’s long history of attracting bees.

Lemon verbena is native to South America, specifically Argentina, Chile and Peru. It has been cultivated in Europe since the 17th century when it was brought over from the New World. In Europe, lemon verbena became popular as a medicinal herb and flavoring agent. The term “verbena” refers to sacred plants historically used for medicine and ceremonies.

Flavor Profile

The most noticeable difference between lemon balm and lemon verbena is in their flavor profiles:

• Lemon balm has a mild subtle lemon and herbaceous flavor with grassy mint notes. The lemon flavor is delicate and not very intense.

• Lemon verbena has a very strong, pure lemon flavor with a hint of spice. It is much more potent and bright than lemon balm.

Lemon verbena is considered to have a superior lemon flavor that really shines in recipes. Lemon balm is milder in taste. When substituting one herb for another, use about 25% more lemon balm to achieve a similar lemony punch.

Usage

Both lemon balm and lemon verbena can be used to infuse a bright lemon flavor into recipes. Popular uses include:

• Herbal teas and tisanes
• Flavored waters, lemonades, cocktails
• Marinades, salad dressings, sauces
• Baked goods like cakes, cookies, scones
• Jams, custards, ice cream
• Vinegars, honey, sugar
• Potpourris and sachets

Lemon verbena’s bolder lemon presence stands out when added to dishes. Lemon balm’s more subdued flavor tends to get lost.

Medicinal Uses

Historically, both herbs have been used for their medicinal properties, usually as teas or tinctures. Lemon balm is considered calming and soothing. It has been used to reduce stress, anxiety and sleep disorders. Lemon verbena is said to aid digestion. However, these medicinal effects have not been scientifically proven. The herbs should not replace medical treatment.

Growing Conditions

While lemon balm and lemon verbena both thrive in loose, well-drained soil, they have slightly different growing requirements:

• Lemon balm is easy to grow in a wide range of climates. It tolerates part shade and cool conditions. This mint spreads rapidly and can be invasive. It dies back in winter and regrows the following spring. Grow lemon balm in zones 4-9.

• Lemon verbena needs full sun and warmer weather. It can struggle in cool coastal areas and should be grown in zones 8-10. Lemon verbena grows as a woody shrub that can reach 5-10 feet tall in frost-free regions. It may die back in winter in colder zones.

Both plants require regular watering and good drainage. Lemon verbena is not as aggressive and easy to cultivate as lemon balm.

Availability and Cost

You are more likely to find fresh lemon balm for sale than lemon verbena. Lemon balm grows abundantly and spreads easily, making it a common choice for home herb gardens and commercial growers. Lemon verbena is less common and can be difficult to find fresh.

When purchasing dried herbs, lemon verbena tends to be more expensive due to lower availability. Lemon balm is affordable and easy to find dried.

If you want to cook with lemon verbena, consider growing it yourself. The plant can produce an abundant harvest in frost-free regions. Drying excess fresh leaves provides a year-round lemon verbena supply.

Potential Side Effects

Lemon balm and lemon verbena are considered safe for most people when consumed in normal food amounts. However, very high doses of lemon verbena taken as a supplement may cause stomach upset.

Lemon balm can interact with certain medications that are broken down by the liver. Talk to your doctor before taking lemon balm if you take any prescription medicines.

Our Recommendation

We recommend using lemon verbena over lemon balm when possible due to its superior, intense lemon flavor. However, lemon balm works well when lemon verbena is unavailable. It can also be more cost effective for large batches of recipes.

If you want an easy-growing lemon-scented herb, choose lemon balm. For the true bright lemon flavor, look for lemon verbena. Let your recipe needs and growing conditions guide you in deciding between these two delightful herbs.

With their refreshing citrus flavors, lemon balm and lemon verbena are must-have herbs for any garden. Although they have some key differences, both can add a lovely lemony essence to dishes ranging from salad dressings to cookies. Try adding one or both of these herbs to your kitchen and garden.

Lemon verbena is not considered invasive. While it can grow vigorously and may need occasional pruning to maintain shape, it doesn’t spread aggressively like some other herbs (like lemon balm, which is in the mint family).