Lemon balm is a member of the mint family that grows abundantly in southern Europe, Central Asia and North Africa. It is also cultivated in kitchen herb gardens throughout North America. Also known as sweet balm and Melissa, lemon balm has a long history of use in Europe as flavoring for wines, cordials and liquors. The herb is also widely known for lending its lemony fragrance to cosmetics and perfumes, including the 14th century floral water originally formulated by Carmelite nuns and still sold in European pharmacies today.