Botanical name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Labiatae
Melissa, Lemon balm, balm, balm mint.
The term "melissa" comes from the word «melissophyllon», which means "bee leaf" thanks to the great content of nectar of the plant which makes it an ideal for bees.
Plant Description
The plant grows up to 2 feet high, sometimes higher if not maintained. In the spring and summer, clusters of small, light yellow flowers grow where the leaves meet the stem. The leaves are very deeply wrinkled and range from dark green to yellowish green in color, depending on the soil and climate. If you rub your fingers on these leaves, your fingers will smell tart and sweet, like lemons. The leaves are similar in shape to mint leaves, and come from the same plant family.
Constituents
It contains essential oils (geraniol, citronellol, linalool), and tannins, resin acids, rosemary mucilage, flavonoids etc.
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS & USES IN OUR DAYS
Today, according to experts, Lemon balm strengthens memory, combats insomnia, migraines, melancholy, anxiety, digestive disorders and is a strong sedative.
It shows a stimulatory effect, while in other concentrations also acts as a sedative. For external use, melissa tones the skin and is used in aromatic baths, as a disinfectant of the sensitive area (lotion).
Lemon balm is known for its antispasmodic , anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.
At the same time , it stimulates the heart and circulatory system, causing vasodilation , thereby reducing blood pressure.Some of the basic features are its emmenagogue properties (relieve menstrual pain).
Its contribution against viruses is considered very important. Surveys even confirm its effectiveness in cases of herpes labialis while it is also reported that calms hyperactive thyroid disease (Graves).
Furthermore, it has proven utility in patients with Alzheimer's since melissa clears mind, increases understanding and enhances memory.
Finally, thanks to its capacity to act against the pain in the nerve endings, melissa is recommended for people with headaches, migraines and other pains (eg period pains, toothache, intestinal colic).
It is considered as the plant longevity.
MODERN STUDIES and PUBLICATIONS
Get rid of herpes
Scientists from the University of Maryland found that the use of the lemon balm in herpes labialis had efficacy in the area of redness and swelling in after just two days. The rapid relief of symptoms with the help of this herb is very important, if we also take into account that if not treated herpes may need more than 10 days to subside.