Although lemon balm and mint are similar-looking and scented herbs, each has unique features. Learn seven differences between lemon balm and mint, their uses, and their benefits.
Of the two herbs, mint is more common and easier to find in the grocery store than the more unique lemon balm.
Nevertheless, both are relatively easy to find and cultivate by yourself.
While I love to use lemon balm in tea, mint is superb in smoothies or lemonades. Besides cooking, lemon balm is a valuable herb to add to natural beauty products such as infused oil, lip balm, or mosquito repellent.
7 Differences: lemon balm vs mint
1. Herb Appearance
Both herbs come from the same Lamiaceae family, just like basil, oregano, catnip, or bee balm, but they belong to different branches.
The mint genus includes over 40 varieties that vary in appearance and flavor, offering a wide range of options. In contrast, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) stands alone as a single species.
Lemon balm leaves are green in color, round, scalloped, and soft to the touch with a slightly fuzzy texture. Mint leaves, on the other hand, are oval, serrated, and crisper with a smoother surface. Compared to mint, lemon balm leaves have more sharply defined edges.
2. Flavor
Mint and lemon balm are two aromatic herbs known for their distinct and easily recognizable flavors. Lemon balm has a bright, lemony taste that makes it a popular choice for teas, refreshing drinks, and light dishes and for use in baking. Mint herb, on the other hand, is famous for its cool, invigorating flavor and is widely used in products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and chewing gum.
In the kitchen, mint adds a fresh note to both sweet and savory recipes – think desserts, sauces, or drinks like this Strawberry Mojito Mocktail
3. Growth
Lemon balm and mint are herbaceous plants but have different growth habits. Lemon balm is a bushy plant that grows upright and forms a compact, whole plant. It is known for its bright green leaves and delicate white to pale flowers. It prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil and grows quickly, but isn’t known to be invasive like mint.
Lemon balm plants can grow to as much as 24 inches in height, whereas some other varieties of mint can grow from 6 inches to 3 feet in height and spread up to 3 feet.
Mint is a spreading herb that grows and spreads like crazy and can become invasive if not contained. Mint spreads through its root system, so I recommend keeping it in a separate container. It’s best to grow mint from root divisions or cuttings instead of seeds. Unlike many other herbs, mint tolerates moisture well and thrives in partial sun rather than full sun. It naturally repels pests, making it a great companion plant in the garden.
4. Uses
Both are popular herbs with various uses in the culinary and medicinal worlds. Lemon balm is most commonly used to make herbal tea, as its citrusy flavor is refreshing and soothing. However, it is also used in cooking and baking and in herbal remedies for its calming properties. In this post, you can find more than 20 ways to use lemon balm. Soothing lemon balm oil and balm moisturizes and promotes skin healing and may help with cold sores. Lemon balm tincture, on the other hand, helps to overcome emotional stress.
Fresh or dried, mint is widely used in drinks, like cocktails. Also in desserts, Meadow Tea and chewing gums due to its cool and refreshing flavor. I also enjoy drinking mint tea. In addition, mint is also used in savory dishes like this macho peas, moutabal and in personal care products, such as toothpaste and soaps, for its invigorating scent and taste.
5. Climate.
Both lemon balm and mint enjoy being planted in a sunny area with partial shade. However, lemon balm is not as tolerant of extreme heat or cold and may struggle in hot, dry conditions. Roots of lemon balm need plenty of rainwater and well-drained soil with plenty of nutrients to allow the plants to develop rapidly.
On the other hand, mint is highly adaptable and can grow in various climates, from hot and humid to cool and dry. It is a tough plant known for thriving in challenging growing conditions.
6. Aroma.
Lemon balm and mint are two herbs known for their lemony fragrances. Lemon balm has a light lemon scent, often described as subtle and fresh. In contrast, fresh mint is an aromatic herb with a much stronger and more refreshing scent, characterized by its cool and invigorating aroma.
With different varieties of mint, you will get a different aroma, ranging from chocolate to pineapple, but with an underlying menthol aroma. From spearmint to the stronger peppermint or light and gentle apple-mint to a heavily cocoa based after eight mint variety.
Both scents are popular in various personal care and home products, from candles and soaps to perfumes and essential oils. In addition, both two plants can have a relaxing and calming effect, making them popular choices for use in aromatherapy.
7. Medicinal Properties
Lemon balm and mint are both herbs with a long history of medicinal use. Lemon balm contains the volatile oils citral and citronellal, known for their calming and anti-spasmodic properties. Its lemony flavor has traditionally been used to reduce anxiety, promote restful sleep, and ease symptoms of stress. In addition, lemon balm is a natural remedy for cold sores, indigestion, nausea, and menstrual cramps.
Mint contains the volatile oils menthol and menthone, which are excellent at cooling, soothing, and reducing inflammation.
Known for its digestive benefits, mint is commonly used to soothe upset stomachs, relieve indigestion, and ease nausea. Mint can also help treat IBS and enhance brain function.
Both herbs of the mint family have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants, making them valuable additions to any natural health routine.
When can I substitute lemon balm for Mint And Vice Versa?
The differences between lemon balm and mint flavors and their medicinal properties are significant enough that they cannot be used interchangeably.
In cooking
Use it only when the distinct flavor of mint is not the primary concern.In cooking: lemon balm may not provide the desired flavor or aroma if used as a substitute for mint. Cocktails typically made with lemon balm will likely not be ruined if you use mint as a substitute. Equally, meat flavored with mint should still be palatable if you switch it to lemon balm. When it comes to teas, lemon balm can be used as a mild substitute for mint, providing a fresh lemon flavor that is less overpowering than mint. However, it will have different medicinal properties. While lemon balm tea is calming and soothing, mint tea helps digestion.
In potpourri and sachets
Lemon balm can be used in place of mint as a milder alternative in homemade potpourri and sachets for a fresh and relaxing fragrance.
In cosmetics
Lemon balm can be used as a substitute for mint in natural cosmetic products, such as facial masks and scrubs, for its milder aroma and calming properties.
Mint can be made into a better substitute for lemon balm with the addition of lemon zest. Hence, lemon zest works as a replacement for lemon balm in recipes. Similarly, adding a small amount of mint extract can make lemon balm mintier.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you use mint and when to use lemon balm?
Use lemon balm in dishes that call for mild citrus notes, such as fish and poultry preparations or salad dressings.
On the other hand, mint suits dishes with the mint’s strong herbal character and cooling effect, such as lamb or mutton. Fresh menthol notes help to brighten salads like this refreshing salad Sumac Cucumbers, lemonades, or ice creams.
Lemon balm works as a sleep aid and relieves stress. It can be used to make tea or crushed up into a paste and applied to the skin. Mint is great for aiding digestion and soothing upset stomachs. It can be added to salads, sauces, or brewed into tea.
Is Lemon Balm As Invasive As Mint?
Both lemon balm and mint are perennials that can spread in gardens, but mint grows more aggressively and is often invasive. Lemon balm is less invasive. Planting mint in containers or pots helps control its spread.
What Are the Different Types of Mint?
There are several mint species, each with its own unique flavor and use. Spearmint has a mild, sweet taste and is often used in teas, salads, and sauces. Peppermint is more potent and more cooling due to its high menthol content, and is often used to make peppermint tea. Apple mint plant has soft, fuzzy leaves with a fruity aroma, while pineapple mint is a variegated version with a hint of pineapple scent. Chocolate mint, a variety of peppermint, has a subtle chocolate fragrance and is often used in desserts.
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