lemon balm
• noun
A bushy perennial flowering herb (Melissa officinalis) in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and Central Asia, having scalloped lemon-scented leaves and small two-lipped white or pale yellow blossoms that bloom in summer axillary clusters and attract honeybees.
"She planted lemon balm along the sunny garden path so that brushing against the leaves would release a fresh citrus scent."
The fresh or dried aromatic leaves of the lemon balm plant, used as a culinary herb to flavor teas, desserts, salads, and seafood dishes, as well as in herbal medicine and aromatherapy.
"A few finely chopped leaves of fresh lemon balm were steeped in hot water to make a soothing evening tea."
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