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| Melissa |
this is a genus of three species of perennials, which occurs throughout Europe to C Asia. Melissa officinalis has been cultivated for over 2000 years. It was probably grown as a bee plant, which probably gave rise to its name, as Melissa is the Greek word for "honey bee". Its therapeutic uses were promoted by Arab physicians inteh 10th and 11th centuries. Melissa officinalis contains a lemon-scented volatile oil that has anti-viral activity. Commercial sources of oil are often adulterated with oils of Citrus limon (See, Lemon) or Cymbopogon citratus (See, Lemon Grass). Lemon balm is most popular as an ingredient of herb teas, having a pleasant flavor and calming effect. Paracelsus (1493-1541) called it "the elixir of life" and John Evelyn (1620-1706) described it as "sovereign for the breain, strengthening the memory, and powerfully chasing away melancholy." Scientific research has shown that Melissa is helpful in controlling an overactive thyroid and may be used in conjuction with conventional treatment. Clinical trials in the 1990s confirmed that topical applications of Melissa are effective in the treatment of herpes-simplex infections if started in the early stages.
A member of the mint family, lemon balm has been used since the Middle Ages to lift the spirits, reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, ease flatulence, and improve appetite. Lemon balm also has antiviral properties and has been found to be very effective in treating herpes simplex cold sores.
The multifaceted healing effects of lemon balm teas were known as far back as the eighth century when Emperor Charlemagne ordered that the medicinal lemon balm Melissa officinalis, be grown in every garden. Known as a tonic that raises the spirits, the plant emits a fresh, lemony aroma when you rub it between your fingers. The essential oil in lemon balm—aldehyde (commonly known as citronella)—is responsible for the plant's characteristic lemony aroma as well as its many medicinal properties. Lemon-balm tea is useful for alleviating nervous digestive and heart disorders and promoting sleep. Also known by the common names "gentle balm" and "Sweet Balm", the herb reduces menstrual cramps and calms tension headaches, migraines and gastrointestinal cramps. The herb is also beneficial for improving concentration and lifting depression.
The effect of lemon-balm tea is calming and relaxing. Its flavonoids strengthen the heart and circulatory system while the bitter constituents and tannins contained in lemon balm can soothe nausea, diarrhea and flatulence.
The combination of flavonoids and citronellal has a strengthening effect on the nerves of the heart. Complaints such as heart palpitations and a general feeling of nervousness may be soothed with lemon balm tea. However, if these symptoms persist, contact a physician.
The agents in lemon balm help stimulate the production of gastric juice and bile in the body. These components also promote digestion and help resolve such complaints as burping, nausea and flatulence. Lemon balm tea is particularly effective against stress-related conditions.
Daily washes with a lemon balm infusion can eliminate impurities of the skin. To enable the lemon-balm components to penetrate deeply, allow the treated parts to air dry.
It is very good to help digestion and open obstructions of the brain, and hath so much purging quality in it (saith Avicen) as to expel those melancholy vapours from the spirits and blood which are in the heart and arteries, although it cannot do so in other parts of the body. (Culpeper)
The herb is so well known as to be an inhabitant in almost every garden. It is also known as Sweet Balm or Lemon Balm. The leaves are set in pairs upon the stem, the flowers in whorls above each pair.
Lemon-scented perennial with a 4-angled stem and ovate, toothed leaves, 3-7cm (1¼-3in) long. Insignificant, pale yellow flowers are produced in axillary clusters in summer.
A garden plant, but its natural habitat is the mountainous regions in Southern Europe. |
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An aromatic, cooling, sedative herb that lowers fever, improves digestion, relaxes spasms and peripheral blood vessels, and inhibits thyroid activity. It has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and insect-repellent effects. |
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Dioscorides saith that the leaves steeped in wine, and the wine drank, and the leaves externally applies, is a remedy against the sting of a scorpion, and the biting of mad dogs; and commendeth the decoction for women to bathe or sit in to produce their courses. It is good to wash aching teeth therewith, and profitable for those that have the bloody flux. The leaves also, with a little nitre taken in drink, are good against the surfeit of mushrooms, and help the griping pains of the belly; and being made into an electuary, it is good for them that cannot fetch their breath. Used with salt it takes away the wens, kernels or hard swellings in the flesh or throat. It cleanseth foul sores and easeth the pain of the gout. It is good for the liver and spleen. A tansy or caudle made with eggs and juice thereof, while it is young putting to some sugar and rose-water, is good for woman in child-bed, when the afterbirth is not thoroughly voided, and for their faintings upon or in their sore travail. The herb bruised and boiled in a little white wine and oil, and laid warm on a boil, will ripen and break it. |
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To treat depression, vomiting, headaches, Alzheimer's disease, elevated blood pressure, menstrual irregularities, muscle stiffness, nerve pain, and rheumatism. |
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The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp. 274-275. The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.304-306. The Complete Guide to Natural Healing Copyright©1999 International Masters Publishers, AB Group 2 Card 16 Therapeutic Teas. Culpeper's Color Herbal Copyright©1983 W. Foulsham & Co. Ltd. Pg. 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||