Because of its lemon-like odor, the plant is often dubbed the "lemon." However, other popular names such as Nervenkrutel, well-woman, heart consolation draw attention to the varied use in the past and present. The belonging to the mint family plant grows up to 80 cm and loves a sunny, sheltered places.
The rather modest plant can easily grow in your garden. As a gentle medicine for body and soul is the balm applicable good for amateurs.
The active ingredients of the balm to be found mainly in the fine hairs on the top leaves. Therefore, they should be harvested before flowering time, extending usually from July to August.
Melissa's story
Like many other medicinal plants, the balm from the south has migrated. In ancient times it was valued not only as a balm herb to treat heart diseases, animal bites and Milzleiden, but also as bee food. Pliny wrote 2,000 years ago: "The bees are no flowers, rather than a balm."
Charles the Great (747-814) ordered that Melissa was to be built in the state farms. Hildegard of Bingen (1098 - 1179) wrote: ". The balm is warm A person who eats them laugh, happy, because their heat affects the spleen and therefore the heart is pleased."
Even Paracelsus (1493 - 1541) turned the plant for the purposes of the doctrine of signatures on to because of its heart-shaped leaves heart disease: "Melissa is of all things that the earth brings forth the best herb for the heart." Moreover, he used the balm to heal "Kontracturen and paralysis," against gout, leprosy, asthma, and the "renewal of the powers of the body."
Effect of lemon balm
Melissa has anticonvulsant, sedative, antibacterial and virus static. Wherever rhythmic processes are disrupted, this herb is used, as in heart disease, gastrointestinal diseases, menstrual problems, sleep disturbances, restlessness, headache, Depression and cold. In recent scientific studies in the UK has found that lemon balm strengthens the brain function and thus dementia probably could provide support.
Application of lemon balm
The herb tea - applied topically - can eliminate blemishes. A steam bath is effective for oily skin. In addition, this herb is an effective alternative to synthetic antiviral against Herpes dar. This is mainly due to that present in the plant rosmarinic acid.
The obtained by steam distillation of essential oil is processed into various pharmaceutical preparations, but also in liquor factories, perfumes and natural cosmetics companies. Who for aromatherapy will use high-quality home balm oil of natural origin should seek advice in a pharmacy or from a aromatherapists.
Melissa as a kitchen herb
Also in the kitchen Melissa is the talented. You can refine desserts and beverages look and taste and is a refreshing spice for salads.
By Health Body