Melissa (or Melissa officinalis) is a useful herb because of its properties and can reduce stress and anxiety.
Their effect on calming the nerves and relaxing the body is well known.
Theoretically, the sedative substances should also promote sleep, especially in insomnia, which is tied to nervousness and stress.
Contents
What is melissa for?
Therapeutic use
Melissa and state
of mind Taking supplements based on lemon balm improves the level of relaxation and mood in many people. The effect is similar to that of lavender, which also has soothing and antiseptic properties.
Melissa is especially helpful as a sedative when taken in the form of an essential oil.
Melissa and cold sores
Melissa is helpful in the treatment of cold sores.
It can reduce redness and swelling.
For this purpose, an infusion of the dried leaves is prepared, which is placed on as a warm compress.
The scientific studies are still ongoing, but this medicinal plant has already shown such great effectiveness that a melissa-containing remedy for the treatment of herpes has become popular in Germany.
Melissa for insomnia
Melissa has been used for centuries to treat insomnia. In recent studies conducted on humans, this substance has been used along with other herbs to promote sleep, for example, valerian.
It is not yet clear whether an effective sleep improvement is achieved by taking it alone.
The antispasmodic and anxiolytic mechanism of action occurs through the effect on the limbic system in the brain and on the thyroid gland.
How is it used?
Internal application
Melissa is used internally for the treatment of nervous disorders or for the treatment of digestive disorders caused by nervous disorders and/or excitability, as well as for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, depression, anxiety, palpitations and headaches.
It is often used for insomnia and nervous disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in children and adults.
The fresh leaves of lemon balm are used in the kitchen to give soups, salads, sauces, herbal vinegar and fish a lemon flavor. Melissa is also part of some liqueurs.
The dried leaves can be added to potpourris, and fragrance pillows and bags are also made to perfume drawers and cabinets.
External application
Applied externally, lemon balm is helpful for healing herpes simplex, herpes labialis, wounds and insect bites. In gout, it can bring relief.
You can rub the leaves on the skin to create a natural defense against mosquitoes and small flies, but you can also keep a lemon balm plant at home on the balcony because it is avoided by insects.
Aromatherapy and essential oil
Melissa essential oil is useful in treating depression, relieving nervous tension and restoring calm.
Melissa has excellent antiviral properties and is ideal for treating herpes simplex (herpes labialis) and herpes zoster.
It also helps with nausea and gastritis.
It has calming properties and has a spasmolytic effect (limits unwanted muscle spasms), antidepressant, bactericidal and menstrual (stimulates blood circulation in the pelvis and uterus).
Side effects and contraindications
Melissa is safe if taken by adults only for a short time.
Nothing is yet known about the safety of long-term treatment (more than 4 months). Some studies suggest that taking it is safe for children and infants when taken in appropriate amounts.
When taken orally, lemon balm may cause some side effects, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness and wheezing.
Contraindications include an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), and people suffering from glaucoma must not take lemon balm essential oils.
Special precautions and warnings: Pregnancy and lactation:
due to the lack of reliable data, the intake of lemon balm is not indicated during this period.
Surgery: Melissa can cause excessive sleepiness when combined with medications taken during or after surgery. It is recommended to stop taking lemon balm at least two weeks before any planned surgery.
Interactions
Melissa can interact with sedative medications and could enhance their effects.
Some of these medicines include lorazepam (Tavor), bromazepam (Lexotanil), diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Tafil, Xanax), delorazepam (EN), lormetazepam (noctamide), zolpidem (Stilnox), and others.
Dosage of herbal supplements
In the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: 60 drops of a melissa tincture a day.
To improve sleep in healthy adults, a product of 80 mg of an extract of lemon balm leaves and 160 mg of an extract of valerian is used 3 times a day for up to 30 days. This product is taken by children once or twice a day and helps improve sleep.
For stomach pain (dyspepsia), products containing lemon balm are used, combined with peppermint leaves, chamomile, caraway, licorice, angelica and thistle.
For colic of breastfed infants, a product containing 164 mg of fennel, 97 mg of lemon balm and 178 mg of chamomile is recommended and is administered twice a day for a week.
Applied to the skin
For cold sores (herpes labialis), a cream or ointment containing 1% dissolved lemon balm extract is used. As a rule, it is applied two to four times a day for a few days after it occurs.
Did you know?
With its fragrant aroma, the plant attracts honey bees, which is why the name “lemon balm” actually means “bee” in Greek.
Melissa is often added to furniture waxes.
While the leaves of lemon balm resemble mint in shape, they have the aroma of lemon.
The lemon balm plant can help people who are looking for a replacement for sleeping pills or other prescribed medications that relieve anxiety and promote sleep. This natural supplement seems to be a safe aid for most people, although it is always better to consult the doctor.
