Today’s featured herb is lemon balm: Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb from the mint family. The leaves, which have a mild lemon aroma, are used to make medicine and flavor foods. Lemon balm contains chemicals that seem to have a sedative and calming effect. It might also reduce the growth of some viruses and bacteria. People use lemon balm for cold sores, anxiety, stress, insomnia, indigestion, dementia, and many other conditions.