It has wrinkled, egg-shaped leaves and small white flowers.
Balm is native to damp and shady woodlands of western Asia.
It has long been grown in the Mediterranean region. Today, people who live in the Eastern United States and along the West Coast grow balm as an herb for seasoning. Balm tea, which is used as a tonic, and balm wine and food flavorings are made from the leaves. Balm is in the mint family, Lamiaceae or Labiatae. Its scientific name is Melissa officinalis.