Lemon balm: biological description
Lemon balm is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Clearaceae family. Its fragrant leaves with a lemon smell make the plant popular in cooking and traditional medicine. It reaches a height of 30-80 cm, has oval or heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges and small pale yellow or white flowers collected in whorled inflorescences. Lemon balm is believed to be native to the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia, but it has spread widely around the world and is successfully cultivated in temperate regions.
Varieties of lemon balm
There are several varieties of lemon balm, which differ in chemical composition and appearance. The most common is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), which is a source of essential oils, tannins, flavonoids and other biologically active components. This variety is most often used for medicinal purposes.
Lemon balm can be purchased in a variety of forms, including a dry herb for making infusions and teas.
Lemon balm: useful properties
Lemon balm is known for its extensive beneficial properties due to its rich composition, including essential oils, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids and other bioactive compounds. Its main medicinal properties:
- Calming effect: lemon balm reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep quality and normalizes mood.
- Anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects: High in antioxidants and essential oils helps in the fight against inflammation and viral infections.
- Antispasmodic properties: lemon balm reduces smooth muscle spasms, which helps to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and menstrual cramps.
- Antioxidant effect: contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Improving digestion: infusions and teas from lemon balm help with bloating, nausea and other disorders of the digestive system.
Lemon balm for the liver
Lemon balm is considered beneficial for maintaining liver health due to its hepatoprotective properties. Its regular use can help in the following cases:
- Detoxification: The active ingredients in lemon balm stimulate the liver, helping to eliminate toxins and cleanse the body.
- Regeneration: The flavonoids and phenolic acids in lemon balm can help repair damaged liver cells.
- Anti-inflammatory: Lemon balm reduces inflammation in the liver, which may be beneficial for chronic diseases such as hepatitis.
It is recommended to consult a doctor before using lemon balm to support liver function, especially if you have serious medical conditions or other contraindications.
Lemon balm in gynecology
In gynecological practice, lemon balm is actively used due to its soothing and antispasmodic properties. It helps relieve the symptoms of menstrual pain by relaxing smooth muscle and reducing cramps that often accompany menstruation. Lemon balm tea or infusion can reduce irritability and nervousness that can occur in the premenstrual period.
Also, lemon balm is often recommended for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. It can help reduce the frequency of hot flashes and anxiety levels, stabilizing the emotional state. Due to its mild sedative properties, the plant helps to improve the quality of sleep and overall well-being during this difficult period. Lemon balm is also used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, making this period less stressful for a woman.
Lemon balm for the stomach
Lemon balm has long been used as a remedy to relieve various gastrointestinal problems. Its essential oils and bioactive compounds help to reduce bloating and eliminate spasms in the intestines. This is especially helpful for indigestion, bloating, or other problems related to digestive disorders.
In addition, the antispasmodic effect of lemon balm helps with functional disorders of the stomach and intestines. For nausea and digestive disorders, lemon balm tea or infusion can have a slight calming effect and improve the functioning of the digestive system. It can also help stimulate appetite and improve digestion overall, making it an indispensable aid for maintaining stomach health.
The effect of lemon balm on the nervous system
Lemon balm herb is widely known for its positive effect on the nervous system. Due to the content of essential oils, in particular citral and geranial, the plant has a mild sedative effect. Lemon balm tea or infusion can help with insomnia, reduce stress levels and improve the overall psycho-emotional state. Its active ingredients promote relaxation and create a sense of calm, reducing anxiety and irritability.
In addition, lemon balm infusion helps with nervous exhaustion and nervousness, especially in situations of increased emotional stress. Regular use of lemon balm products can help improve sleep quality and strengthen mental health.
Lemon balm has significant antiviral and anti-inflammatory potential. Its high content of antioxidants, essential oils and polyphenols makes it an effective remedy in the fight against inflammation. Its components actively prevent the reproduction of some viruses, in particular the herpes simplex virus. Lemon balm essential oil or infusion is often used to reduce inflammation on the skin, as well as to treat viral and bacterial infections.
In addition to its antiviral action, the plant helps reduce inflammation in the body, helping with respiratory ailments and cold symptoms.
Contraindications and possible side effects
Despite all the benefits, lemon balm has some contraindications. People with individual intolerance to the components of the plant should avoid its use. If you have hypotension or thyroid disease, you should be careful, as lemon balm can lower blood pressure and slow down the thyroid gland.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to consult a physician before use. Possible side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and low blood pressure, especially with prolonged or excessive use of lemon balm. Therefore, before starting use, you should carefully assess the possible risks and consult a medical specialist.
Literature:
- Katarzyna Świąder, Christofora Hanny Wijaya, Katarzyna Startek.
- Article “Melissa Essential Oil: Contraindications, Side Effects, Properties And Benefits”
- Wissam Zam, Cristina Quispe, Javad Sharifi-Rad
- M. Buchbauer, W. Jirovetz, G. Jäger, C. Plank, and H. Dietrich
Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of PJSC Pharmaceutical Factory “VIOLA”
