Lemon Balm

Treat lemon balm as you would any other fresh herb. It works especially well in place of mint, offering bright, fragrant notes. Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor. You can also pair with chicken! Try adding sliced leaves to chicken salad, fish dishes, and even veggie dishes. Give lemon balm tea a try too; it’s just as soothing as chamomile or lavender but with a lovely citrus flavor.

It’s widely considered to have calming properties, is prized for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, promote better sleep and ease indigestion, according to Mount Sinai. Health studies have shown that lemon balm can increase individuals' sense of well-being, happiness, and alertness.