Vietnamese Balm – 50 Seeds

Elsholtzia ciliata, commonly known as Vietnamese Balm, Vietnamese Lemon Mint, xiang ru or kinh giới in Vietnamese, is a plant native to Asia.  In the US, it known as Crested Late Summer Mint. It is an erect annual that can be grown as a perennial in regions with mild winters. It grows to about 60 cm in height. The plants produce distinctive one-sided spikes of pale bluish flowers. The leaves are oppositely arranged along hairy stems, oval to lance shaped and one to three inches long with wrinkled to serrate margins.

Culinary Uses

Lemon scented flavor with a suggestion of mint, the leaves are used to flavor meat dishes, soups, and salads.

Medicinal Benefits

• The whole plant, preferably when in flower, is antibacterial, antipyretic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stomachic.
• It is used in the treatment of common colds, fevers, headaches, diarrhoea, oedema and is said to relieve the effects of excess alcohol.
• The plant has a broad-spectrum antibacterial action.

Growing Vietnamese Balm

• Start seeds inside 6 weeks before last frost date or direct sow in Spring.
• Scatter balm seeds on top of the potting soil.
• Water and keep soil moist until germination.
• Germination in 2-3 weeks.
• Harden off plants carefully before transplanting.
• Plants grow very well in a sunny, warm area and prefers moist soil.