Melissa officinalis

Genus: Melissa
english name: Lemon balm
latin name: Melissa officinalis

Family: Lamiaceae
Compounds: Triterpene, Antioxidants and Antimicrobial
Parts used: leaves
Properties: antibacterial, antiviral properties
internal uses: Lemon Balm is used internally to treat nervous disorders, indigestion and/or excitability developing from nervous disorder, hyperthyroidism, and depression, anxiety, palpitations and tension headaches.
external uses: to treat herpes simplex, insect bites and helps to give some relief from gout. The Essential oil is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways such as room fragrances, bath oils, massage oils, perfumes, inhalations, natural preservatives and in cosmetic preparations. It can also be used to make up your own massage blends having first diluted them in HealthAid massage oil base or lotion base.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It'is a lemon-scented herb, wich in ancient times was associated to friendship and love. It is said to comfort the heart, to open the mind, to remove palpitations and the fancies that worry us. It has antispasmodic activity and then is used for both hemicranias and neuralgias, main symptoms by stress. It develops sedative action on the Central Nervous System, that is used in case of nervous disorers and as coadjutant to fight stress, nervousness and nervous oveerexcitability. Its assumption is advied in the treatment of anxiety, accompanied by restlessness and irritability. It reduces unrest, tension and emotional instability.

Lemon balm is often used as a flavouring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. It is also frequently paired with fruit dishes or candies.