Lemon balm and lemon verbena are two natural herbs with a lemon aroma. These herbs are quite remarkable because they naturally smell like lemon, although none of them are associated with lemon plants. This article compares two herbs that are very similar to each other, examining their similarities and differences in terms of taste, aroma, growth requirements, accessibility and other qualities.

Combinations between two herbs:

There are many common attributes that combine lemon balm and lemon verbena. Both, naturally, do not contain caffeine, and both are in the order of Lamiales, a large grouping of plants, which includes the whole mint family and the verbena or verveina family, as well as many other aromatic plants, such as jasmine. and sesame.

Both herbs have some similar medicines, which reflect a chemical composition that is not only similar to each other, but also to some of the other natural herbs that smell like lemon, such as lemon myrtle and lemon grass. These medical and therapeutic properties include antimicrobial effects and antioxidant activity.

Differences in taste:

Descriptions of taste are somewhat subjective, especially with subtle differences. My personal experience with these two herbs is that the two herbs are more similar when they are fresh and more different when they are dried. Especially when it dries, but also when it is fresh, the lemon verbena seems to have a more “imperial” quality. The lemon balm, on the other hand, is more vegetative. In general, although they are very similar, with a delicate aroma.

Both herbs dry easily; However, verbena has harder leaves.

Differences in growth and growth habits:

The growing needs of lemon balm and lemon verbena are somewhat different from each other, although their growth habits are different. The lemon balm for sleep, which thrives in temperate climates, tolerant of partial shade and resistant even in very cold climates, grows in groups and does not form evergreen woody stems, but is deposited from the roots every spring after dying in winter. The lemon verbena, on the other hand, is a woody plant or shrub, which prefers slightly warmer, sunnier and drier conditions.

Differences in price and availability:

Of these two herbs, lemon verbena is generally more available among tea companies and bulk products. lemon balm for anxiety is usually only available in large herb companies and is also less common as an ingredient in commercially mixed herbal teas. However, it is more common in gardens and kindergartens and tends to be more cultivated (and also more likely to avoid cultivation), so from the point of view of the fresh harvest, it tends to be more accessible from two plants.

In summary:

The lemon balm and the lemon verbena are two very similar plants that are used to make lemon infusions without caffeine. Both grow easily, it is relatively difficult to obtain them in the form of dried herbs, and their taste and increasing demands differ only a little.