Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is native to Europe and the Mediterranean and has been cultivated for centuries. Its lemon-scented leaves are used in teas, culinary dishes, and herbal remedies. In folk medicine, lemon balm is valued for its calming and digestive properties. In Ayurveda, it is considered cooling, mildly sweet and bitter, and helpful in balancing Vata and Pitta, while generally neutral for Kapha. Lemon balm leaves contain essential oils, mainly citral and citronellal, responsible for their aroma and mild sedative effects.