Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis ), a member of the mint family, is considered a "calming" herb. It was used in the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort associated with digestion (including flatulence and bloating as well as colic). Even before the Middle Ages, lemon balm was steeped in wine to lift the spirits, help heal wounds, and treat venomous insect bites and stings. Today, lemon balm is often combined with other calming, soothing herbs, such as valerian, chamomile, and hops, to enhance the overall relaxing effect.

If you begin with seeds, use a plastic bottom and press the seeds down very lightly. Avoid drying out the seeds, which take a fairly long time to germinate. You should place transplanted plants about it 1½ ft. apart. You can also grow this herb by layering. Shear plants back frequently to contain growth.