Mint and lemon balm - the differences, which is better

Mint and lemon balm are healthy plants that provide many benefits. They are similar, but they have differences, which become apparent with a detailed study of the properties of each of the species.

Mint and lemon balm: how they differ, why they are confused

Mint and lemon balm, the differences of which are questionable, really belong to the same family of Lamb beetles. Both plants are very aromatic and contain a lot of menthol. The confusion in subspecies arises from similar medicinal properties.

Appearance of mint and lemon balm

Both types of hoods are used in cooking and cosmetology. Due to their aromatic and healing qualities, the products occupy a central place in many home first aid kits. If you make out the chemical composition, mint is richer in useful elements. For example, 100 g of fresh plant contains:

• 569 mg potassium;
• 243 mg calcium;
• 80 mg magnesium;
• 73 mg phosphorus;
• 31 mg sodium;
• 5.08 mg iron;
• 1.1 mg zinc.

The composition of substances also contains a whole group of vitamins, among which vitamin C occupies a key place.

100 g of lemon balm leaves contain:

• 31.2 mg potassium;
• 13.8 mg calcium;
• 5.4 mg magnesium;
• 9.76 mg iron;
• 46.8 mg zinc.

Of the vitamins, there is only vitamin C, but it is much less than in mint - 150 mg.

In order to select quality herb in the store, it is important to pay attention to the integrity of the packaging. The container should not let in the aroma, and outside odors and moisture inside.

Dried homogeneous collection

The main differences between mint and lemon balm: table

Differences between plants cannot be seen, except perhaps for beginners in gardening. What mint looks like and how lemon balm is known to all spice growers, because the plants are completely different. How to distinguish mint from lemon balm in appearance can be found in the following table:

Modern psychics also claim that this plant has a positive effect on cash flows. It is recommended to keep mint leaves in your wallet. Monetary energy does not allow for constant accumulation. To avoid stagnation, money must be spent. However, the magic of the plant will make for a thoughtful spending All transactions will be successful.

How do these plants differ visually?

If the differences in the chemical properties of plants cannot be made out without knowledge of botany, outwardly, two representatives of the same family are different in a number of characteristics. You can learn how to distinguish mint from lemon balm by examining them carefully.

Mint is usually straight stem and purple flowers.The flowers are spike-like inflorescences. The bush is about a meter high. The root system is weak and thin, the leaves are even, almost perfectly oval. The plant has no fruits.

Blooming mint

Melissa grows branched, flowers are false purple rings. It grows in height up to one and a half meters. Oval molding and slightly carved.

The smell of these two plants is very different. Mint has a pronounced menthol aroma. Melissa is not so sharp, has a slight lemon flavor. It has a second name - lemongrass.

The herbs are very easy to taste. For example, mint has a sharp menthol. In cooking, the herb is considered a spice, but only the peppermint variety is used.

Differences in growing conditions

Mint will grow well in lighted areas. The plant must be looked after, in particular, water it in a timely manner. For planting, do not choose areas with sandy soil. For propagation, you can use seeds or cuttings. It is important to consider the correct distance between the bushes, which should not exceed 30 cm.

Preferred varieties for cultivation in soil:

• vegetable. Perennial, reaching a height of 55 cm, with small carved leaves. Greens have a pleasant refreshing aroma;
• Pearl. A plant with dark green, slightly wrinkled leaves. The bush is compact, so it is also suitable for home cultivation;
• The ceremony is mint with a sweetish aroma and a rather powerful stem. Leaves are wrinkled with light edging.

Melissa is not so demanding in grooming. The main thing is not to overmoisten the soil in the place where the plant grows. She will feel good in shade or partial shade. The soil can be sandy.

Blooming lemon balm

Famous varieties of lemon balm:

• Isidora. Quite powerful perennial with fleshy leaves. The plant is literally in a halo of specific lemon scent. Very attractive to bees;
• Quadrille. A perennial growing in a small bush with fleshy dark green foliage. The plant spreads a citrus smell, the taste of the greens is slightly bitter;
• Lemon flavor. A very sprawling variety with unusual foliage. The variety is distinguished by the largest amount of essential oils, therefore it is very useful as an antimicrobial agent.

For breeding lemon balm, you can use:

• layering;
• cuttings;
• seeds;
• and also to share bushes.

Fragrant greenery on the windowsill develops best from cuttings. Seed germination is not very good, plants grow slowly. For grafting, you can collect mint or lemon balm from packaging purchased at the supermarket. The main thing is that the greens are fresh. Under good conditions on the windowsill, plants will grow for a very long time. Over time, the bushes grow, it is better to divide them into several parts.

To grow spices, you must take into account the rules regarding the cultivation of indoor plants. Care consists in the sufficiency of light, temperature and moderation of watering.

Which soothes better - mint or lemon balm

Lemon balm tea is preferred as a sedative. On the other hand, mint is prized for its ability to normalize the nervous system. The therapeutic effect consists in raising strength with rapid fatigue, excluding increased anxiety. It is necessary to regulate the number of cups of both mint and lemon balm drinks drunk.

Healthy herbal tea

To normalize excitability, it is enough to take a decoction twice a day in a volume of 100 ml. If there is a breakdown, you need to drink 100 ml of broth before bedtime. Also, this drink will help with memory impairment. The duration of admission can vary 2-3 weeks. During this period, mental and physical activity should be normalized. The person will react more calmly to conflict situations.

Differences between mint and lemon balm in medicinal properties and use

For medicinal products, mint foliage is used. Raw materials can be dried or fresh, any is a valuable source of health.

Melissa is also used both fresh and dried, but only leaves and apical shoots are suitable for raw materials.

Where to add lemon balm

Decoctions, tinctures and decoctions are used for baths, rinses, poultices and compresses. The remedy is known in aromatherapy.

Lemon balm aromatherapy products

Melissa is known in folk medicine as a remedy for tachycardia, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders. It is recommended for stress. For admission, an infusion of 1 tbsp is prepared. tablespoons of lemon balm and 400 ml of boiling water. The resulting mixture is infused and consumed in half a glass about three times a day.

In everyday life, the plant is used to attract bees. Special traps are rubbed with melissa, beekeepers hang them up to attract the swarm. The hive can also be rubbed with lemon balm leaves, the bees will fill the house instantly. In vegetable gardens, the plant is planted next to crops that require pollination to attract insects.

Where to add mint

Mint leaves are added to decoctions, tinctures and teas. The tool is widely used both in medicine and in the food industry. Medicines have a good disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect.

The tincture improves digestion and is a good antispasmodic. Peppermint oil is indispensable for inhalation. Water is used for rinsing. Fresh blooming mint is a well-known homeopathic remedy.

In cosmetology, mint is often used. The products are suitable for all skin types. Creams are made for the face, hands, feet. Mint is indispensable in complex hair therapy.

It is also used in products suitable for oily skin. It is an excellent flavoring agent, so the plant is often used in household chemicals.

Household chemicals with mint

How contraindications and possible harm differ

Melissa has a sedative effect, so it is recommended to use the herb with caution when driving.

Peppermint is contraindicated in people with high sensitivity to menthol. Allergic reactions are manifested in the form of urticaria, headaches. In large quantities, it can provoke nausea, up to vomiting. Due to the load on the nervous system, an acceleration of the respiratory rate and convulsions can be observed.

The use of mint is contraindicated in people who use:

• iron preparations;
• cyclosporine;
• antibiotics and antifungal agents;
• medicines that lower blood pressure.

Side effects and contraindications from mint are more significant than from lemon balm. Take this herbal remedy with caution.Mint remedies are especially not recommended for men, as there may be problems with potency.

Plant-based mint tablets

Is it possible to combine these two plants

Melissa with mint is the best combination in a decoction if you need to achieve a calming effect. The drink acquires an exquisite taste, but it is better to drink it fresh. In the cooled infusion, color and aroma are lost, ethereal odors evaporate.

The optimal ratio is 1: 1, the herb is brewed like regular tea.

Plant tea is indicated for people suffering from high blood pressure. The drink is also recommended for those who have problems with the cardiovascular system. Mint and lemon balm are indicated for the gastrointestinal tract. Drinking a drink at night will help you prepare for a restful sleep.

Recipe for mint and lemon balm tea:

• honey - 2 tbsp. spoons;
• mint - 2 sprigs fresh or 20 g dry;
• lemon balm - 2 sprigs fresh or 20 g dry;
• water - 0.5 liters of boiling water;
• cinnamon - 2 g;
• cloves - 2 g.

Sprigs of mint and lemon balm must be washed, only leaves can be used in the drink. Pour boiling water into a bowl with raw materials, adding cinnamon and cloves. The drink should be infused for about half an hour. Then the raw material is filtered, honey is added. You can drink chilled. A hot drink is a good remedy for colds.

Herbal decoctions for colds

Both herbs are widely used in areas such as:

• medicine;
• pharmaceuticals;
• cooking;
• cosmetology.

Plants are used both dried and fresh. Mint and lemon balm are components of many products, but they require different dosages. Herbs are distinguished by their miraculous, beneficial effect on the human body. It is impossible to imagine the dishes of many restaurants without mint and lemon balm.