Melissa (Melissa officinalis L.) has been a popular herb in natural medicine for centuries. This small shrub has sedative and sleeping properties, making it a beneficial alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. Both lemon balm oil and the herb itself have a calming effect on the mind, and exhibit many other beneficial actions. Due to its high concentration of flavonoids, terpenes, tannins and other active compounds, lemon balm is effective in treating various diseases and infections. It is worth noting that lemon balm also has uses in cooking, especially in Mediterranean-style dishes.
In a nutshell:
- Lemon balm has been used as a remedy for mood disorders, anxiety and nervousness since the early Middle Ages and has proven to be very effective.
- Lemon balm is an excellent option for those looking for an effective sedative, anti-stress or sleep-inducing herb due to its potent essential oil.
- Melissa contains terpene compounds, flavonoids, tannins and other bio-components that have a wide range of beneficial effects on the body. First of all, it aids digestion, fights inflammation, soothes skin irritation and supports cardiovascular function.
- Melissa is a natural remedy that is often used to alleviate sleep problems such as insomnia, restless sleep and insufficient sleep.
Contents
- 1 Lemon balm – a perennial shrub with strongly fragrant leaves
- 2 Infusions of lemon balm herb – sedative effect on the central nervous system
- 3 Lemon balm and its remarkable effects on sleep
- 4 Lemon balm – a simple way to reduce feelings of stress
- 5 Melissa – health-promoting properties
- 6 How to use lemon balm leaf for various health and skin ailments?
- 7 Melissa as a versatile culinary additive with intense flavor
- 8 Melissa compresses home remedy for herpes, wounds, bites
- 9 Melissa balm – side effects and contraindications.
Lemon balm – a perennial shrub with strongly fragrant leaves
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), commonly known as lemon balm, is a small shrub that can grow up to several tens of centimeters tall. Its stem is upright and strongly branched, and its leaves are egg-shaped and covered with fine hairs. The leaves have a vivid green color and clearly marked veins. Melissa essential oil is accumulated in the leaves. When the leaves are rubbed, the entire fragrance is released, which is characterized by fresh, lemony, herbal and slightly honey-like notes.
Worth noting, lemon balm is popular with bees because of its enticing, strong aroma. And since it’s attractive to bees, it’s not hard to guess that honey is made from it. As for the specifics of lemon balm flowers, they are initially bright yellow, but eventually turn white. The plant blooms from June to September.
Belonging to the light family, lemon balm is a perennial plant (perennial). It is native to Mediterranean regions, but is now cultivated in the most diverse areas of the world.
Melissa was famous as far back as ancient times and the Middle Ages. Pedanius Dioskurydes, a Greek physician from the first century AD, wrote about its effectiveness in treating bites. In the 16th century, the esteemed Swiss physician Paracelsus recommended it as a remedy for a weakened body, lack of vitality, nervousness and mental exhaustion.
Lemon balm, which goes by several names, such as lemon herb, beekeeper’s, honeysuckle and motherwort, is commonly associated with sedative effects. Nevertheless, it also has many other benefits to offer the body.
Melissa oil has been gaining popularity in recent years and is now one of the primary specifics used in aromatherapy. It is known to have an extremely calming effect on the nerves and help achieve a peaceful sleep.
Infusions of lemon balm herb – sedative effect on the central nervous system
Melissa tea is distinguished by its strong sedative (calming) effect on the nervous system. Its properties promote relaxation and sedation, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies for stress, anxiety and nervousness.
Importantly, lemon balm has proven to be an effective natural remedy for inducing a calming effect, but without causing excessive daytime drowsiness or confusion, as can happen with traditional sedatives. It has been found useful in treating a variety of conditions and maladies, including anxiety, disorders of neuroticism, excessive emotional tension, increased anxiety, stress, irritability, racing thoughts, and depressive disorders.
Lemon balm leaves are a source of precious essential oil, making them an important medicinal resource. This oil is rich in terpene compounds, which have a significant effect on the nervous system. They lower its threshold of sensitivity and limit the flow of stimuli. As a result, they strengthen our resistance to stressors and reduce the phenomenon of reacting too emotionally and nervously to unfavorable factors.
The essential oil present in lemon balm not only has a soothing effect, but also has muscle relaxing and mood normalizing properties. These properties help maintain a sense of well-being and facilitate a restful sleep after a tiring day.
Lemon balm and its remarkable effects on sleep
The essential oil extracted from lemon balm is an abundant collection of aromatic substances, such as geraniol, linalool, cumene, pinene, citral, citronellal. The combination of these substances promotes relaxation and a sense of inner balance, resulting in uninterrupted and restful sleep for a suitable period of time.
By consuming a strong and aromatic infusion of lemon balm in the evening, you can free your psyche from the burden of the day’s troubles and worries, and smoothly and peacefully transition into a state of calm and comfortable drowsiness.
In order to significantly improve the quality of our sleep, it is recommended not only to use lemon balm infusions or pharmaceuticals containing lemon balm extracts, but also to take steps to regulate our natural sleep cycle and determine the ideal sleep time for our body. Using a sleep calculator can help us achieve this goal. You should also consider buying anti-stress sleep and rest accessories, such as a weighted quilt for adults and children.
How to use lemon balm to improve sleep quality? There are several proven methods, and one of the most popular is to consume lemon balm in the form of an herbal tea. Another option is inhaling lemon balm oil, which has been shown to have calming and relaxing properties.
How to use lemon balm for a good night’s sleep?
- Drinking lemon balm infusions is a proven way to fall asleep easily and have a healthy, deep sleep throughout the night.
- Consuming herbal mixtures of lemon balm and valerian root has a calming and sleeping effect.
- Consuming medicinal tinctures and concoctions prepared from freshly harvested lemon balm leaves is an effective way to soothe nerves.
- Using lemon balm preparations in capsule and tablet form is a way to improve sleep quality.
- Lemon balm oil is often used in aromatherapy as a way to relax and get a good night’s sleep.
- A popular relaxation technique is to perform a massage with melissa oil.
- Baths with melissa oil are a relaxing and mood-enhancing home treatment that also has a positive effect on sleep.
How does lemon balm work for sleep?
- It helps you fall asleep quickly and peacefully, reduces anxiety and restlessness.
- It relaxes the body and levels the activity of the nervous system.
- Calms strong emotions, helps control mood, prevents nervous agitation.
- Beneficially affects sleep structure, reduces sleep disturbances.
- Combats the effects of mental exhaustion, including irritability, a flurry of negative emotions, excessive internal tension, inability to sleep peacefully.
- Combats chronic stress, thus affecting better sleep.
- Allows you to enter sleep faster and has a beneficial effect on the phases of sleep, normalizes circadian rhythm.
Lemon balm – a simple way to reduce feelings of stress
One useful technique for relieving stress is inhalations with lemon balm oil, as well as drinking lemon balm infusions. The effects of severe stress can take many forms and cause a range of physical and mental symptoms. The most commonly experienced symptoms of stress include accelerated heart rate, shallow breathing, palpitations, excessive muscle tensionni, excessive sweating, headaches, hand tremors, difficulty sleeping, constant fatigue and a general feeling of restlessness or anxiety.
Lemon balm is a commonly chosen herb with many benefits, especially when it comes to combating stress. It is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways and can be purchased virtually anywheretoday, making it an accessible option for anyone looking for natural remedies to improve mental health.
Lemon balm is able to calm the central nervous system, reduce the effects of stressors, combat hyperactivity and help the body return to balance. It regulates heart rhythm, relaxes tense muscles, reduces feelings of anxiety and agitation and restores feelings of contentment.
Melissa – health-promoting properties
Lemon balm is rich in active substances, many of which act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells throughout the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.
In lemon balm leaves there are such active components as:
- flavonoids – quercetin, luteolin, apigenin and kemferol (compounds with antioxidant properties),
- essential oils (highly concentrated aromatic compounds with relaxing, calming, slightly sleep-inducing, while anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties),
- tannins,
- bitters,
- triterpenes,
- phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid,
- mucilages,
- carotenoids,
- chlorophyll,
- resins,
- Vitamin C,
- Minerals (zinc, manganese, iron, copper).
Melissa is famous for its various health-promoting properties:
- Supports the cardiovascular system, lowers cholesterol, stabilizes heart rhythm,
- stimulates bile and gastric juice secretion.
- Inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that causes gastric ulcer disease,
- does not eliminate digestive problems and avoids constipation and bloating,
- helps maintain normal liver function,
- has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic properties.
- Counteracts colds and fevers,
- strengthens the body’s immune system,
- relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive system, so it is beneficial in relieving discomfort in the abdominal cavity, as well as in intestinal and biliary tract spasms,
- in pregnant women, relieves symptoms associated with mood swings and morning nausea,
- reduces symptoms of premenstrual tension and minimizes discomfort associated with menstruation.
How to use lemon balm leaf for various health and skin ailments?
Melissa is a versatile herb that can be used both internally and externally. Its potential uses include both health and cosmetic purposes.
How to use lemon balm for specific health problems and skin ailments?
- People suffering from sleep problems, nervousness, stress, depressive and anxiety disorders, heart disorders, as well as those suffering from digestive disorders and abdominal cramps, as well as colds and flu, are recommended to use lemon balm infusions. To prepare a lemon balm infusion, use 1 tablespoon of dried lemon balm leaves per 1 cup of boiling water.
- Inhalations of lemon balm oil are often recommended as a remedy for various ailments, including neurotic and anxiety disorders, insomnia, sleep problems, mental fatigue, high stress levels, respiratory diseases, colds, and fevers.
- Rubbing melissa oil into the chest is a recommended method for relieving upper respiratory tract infections and sleeping difficulties.
- Massages with lemon balm oil are a trusted remedy for various ailments, including: high stress levels, excessive muscle tension, muscle spasms, migraines, joint pain, exhaustion and overwork, as well as sleep disorders.
- Applying lemon balm oil to the skin is a way to improve skin quality and get rid of blackheads, pimples and other skin lesions faster. To apply lemon balm oil to the skin, simply mix a small amount of lemon balm oil with a tablespoon of linseed oil or olive oil. After preparing such a mixture, it can be directly applied to any area of the skin.
- For wounds, burns and bites, fresh lemon balm leaves can be used to make poultices. Simply crush a handful of lemon balm leaves and apply them to the given skin area for optimal results.
Melissa as a versatile culinary additive with intense flavor
Adding fresh lemon balm leaves to a dish introduces a distinctive aroma that is at once subtly herbal, fresh and lemony. Its high concentration of antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients makes it an excellent addition to a balanced and healthy diet. Because of the flavor and aromatic qualities of lemon balm, including this herb in your diet is an accomplished choice.
Fresh lemon balm leaves can serve a great many culinary purposes. They will fulfill their purpose as:
- An element in salads, sauces, dressings and dips. Whether you prefer light vinaigrette-type sauces or creamy dressings, adding lemon balm leaves will be an excellent option.
- Blender cocktail ingredient. Such smoothies often consist of various vegetable, fruit and herbal ingredients, which combine to create a healthy and refreshing drink. One of them can be lemon balm leaves, which will take care of a portion of valuable substances and a crisp, lemon-green aroma.
- Herbal element of spreads for sandwiches, toast and for filling rolls.
- A refreshing addition to iced teas and water, providing depth of flavor and a cooling sensation.
- Flavorful ingredient in soups, rice and pasta dishes, pancakes.
- Additive to roasted, braised, fried and grilled meats and fish.
- An alternative to fresh lemongrass in dishes.
- Addition to desserts (as a decorative element and as a way to flavorfully enhance the dessert).
Melissa compresses home remedy for herpes, wounds, bites
Lemon balm has been shown to have healing properties that can help with skin injuries and conditions. These are mainly anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-edematous, astringent and soothing properties.
If you are aiming to reduce skin inflammation, get rid of microorganisms and speed up the recovery process, freshly picked lemon balm leaves will be useful for creating a poultice. We start by crushing or finely slicing the leaves, and then apply them to the skin.
Applied in this particular way, lemon balm can provide many benefits to the overly irritated skin. Thanks to its valuable properties, it can inhibit the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, and fight inflammation. It can also antisepticize the skin, relieve swelling and stimulate tissue regeneration.
Lemon balm compresses are a versatile solution for a wide variety of skin problems, such as, but not limited to: cuts, bruises, insect stings, herpes, acne, eczema, skin irritations, seborrhea, burns, abscesses, dandruff.
Melissa balm – side effects and contraindications.
There are some side effects and contraindications to consider before using lemon balm. It is important to be aware of any potential side effects that may occur, although in practice they are sporadic.
Rarely, gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, appetite disturbances, dizziness, headache or skin irritation may occur.
To reduce the likelihood of side effects, it is advisable to follow the suggested dosages for both lemon balm infusions and lemon balm capsules, tablets and other ready-made preparations.
There are certain situations in which lemon balm should be avoided, including taking certain medications and certain medical conditions.
While some herbs have extensive lists of side effects and situations in which they should not be used, lemon balm is almost free of these restrictions. The use of lemon balm is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children can drink lemon balm tea without worry. However, if suffering from a serious illness or taking medication, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using lemon balm.
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