Melissa: what is it, benefits and uses of this medicinal plant

Today we have a large number of drugs that allow us to fight different diseases and illnesses.

These are products made and synthesized by man, but their properties and the active principles in which they are based often come or are based on the properties of different elements present in nature, such as animals and plants.

In this sense and from the most remote antiquity we can highlight the use of different types of plant or vegetables, due to the medicinal and positive properties for our health that many of them have. But it is not something that belongs to the past or that it only serves as inspiration.

In fact, some plant species have such beneficial effects and / or are so nutritious that they are still consumed regularly today. Examples of this are linden, valerian, lavender... or lemon balm. The latter may not be as well known as the rest of those mentioned, but nevertheless it is a highly appreciated product due to its interesting properties. And it is about him that we are going to talk throughout this article.

• Related article: "The 50 best medicinal plants, their effects and contraindications"

What is lemon balm?

We know popularly as lemon balm a herbaceous plant or herb, scientifically named Melissa officinalis, which is highly valued for its medicinal properties, especially with regard to alleviating digestive problems and / or causing relaxation and relief of anxiety and nervousness.

Also called lemon balm, this herbaceous comes from the lands bathed by the Mediterranean and can reach a meter in height. It is a robust and perennial vegetable that blooms during the summer and that can be easily identified due to its lemon smell (something that has caused other names by which it is usually known to be those of lemongrass or lemon leaf).

Lemon balm can be used in multiple ways. It can be ingested, dried the leaves or even made into infusions with it, something generally linked to a rather medicinal use, although It is also used to make oils associated with cosmetic uses, to perfume or flavor or to create anti-mosquito products or toothpastes.

It is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs, especially in Latin America.

Beneficial properties of this plant

Lemon balm has a series of beneficial properties for health and for the treatment of certain discomforts, which come from its chemical composition (it is rich in eugenol, caryophyllene or germacrene in addition to citral or citronella. Some of its better known properties and uses are listed below.

1. Soothing and sedative

One of the most relevant properties of lemon balm is its sedative and relaxing effect, helping to reduce altered or agitated moods, such as depression or anxiety. In addition contributes to promoting sleep, something useful in cases of insomnia.

• You may be interested: "Fight insomnia: 10 solutions to sleep better"

2. Analgesic

Lemon balm can also have an interesting anesthetic effect, reducing and blocking signals of discomfort that would normally travel rapidly through our nervous system.

It is frequently used to reduce headache or migraine discomfort, digestive discomfort, or even muscle aches.

3. Hypotensive

Another of the useful properties of lemon balm is in its ability to lower the blood pressure levels, something that can be useful in cases of anxiety and in subjects with hypertension.

4. Relieves gastrointestinal problems

Lemon balm is often used to treat the discomfort of intestinal problems, since allows to reduce gas levels and prevent situations such as colic. It also favors the protection of the liver and the secretion of bile (favoring it).

5. Cough suppressant

It has been observed that taking lemon balm, especially when it is made into infusions, helps soothe, soothe and reduce the levels of coughing and irritation in the throat.

Precautions

Melissa is a natural product with multiple positive properties, but despite this it must be taken into account that in some people may suffer side effects or pose a certain risk to the well-being of those who employ.

First it is necessary to take special precaution in cases of pregnancy, since in high quantities it can cause abortions. It is also contraindicated in patients with thyroid problems (especially hypothyroidism). Excessive consumption can lead to pain, allergies and nausea and vomiting. Also keep in mind that essential oil can be dangerous if ingested.

Bibliographic references:

• Sánchez Govín, E., Fernández, M.L., Figueredo, D.C., Hechevarría, I. and Pino, J. (2010). Pharmacological characterization of Melissa officinallis L. Rev Cubana Plant Med vol.15 n.4 City of Havana.
• Pardo-Aldave K, Díaz-Pizán ME, Villegas-Vilchez LF, Bernabé-Ortiz E. (2009). Effect of the ethanolic extract of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) in modifying the behavior of the anxious child in the dental office. Rev Estomatol Herediana. 2009; 19(2): 91 - 95.