Lemon balm (Latin Melissa officinalis) is a perennial that grows wild in northern Africa, southern Europe and Asia. In Poland it is called a swarmer, beekeeper or lemon herb. This plant is grown all over the world. Lemon balm has ribbed or serrated, intense green leaves. It blooms in spring and summer with small pale yellow flowers. Lemon balm leaves have a delicate lemon flavor and aroma, which is why they are often used in the kitchen and in the production of liqueurs and tinctures.
Properties of lemon balm

Inconspicuous lemon balm contains many substances that are beneficial to our health. The most important component of lemon balm leaves is essential oil, the main ingredients of which are citral, citronellal and geraniol. Hence, you can buy lemon balm oil, often used in aromatherapy. Apart from essential oil, lemon balm leaves also contain tannins, flavonoids, bitterness, mucilage, chlorophyll, carotenoids and phenolic acids, of which the most active are: rosmarinic, coffee and ferulic acids. These acids have strong antioxidant properties.

Lemon balm is best known for its sedative properties, which have long been used in folk medicine. Lemon balm owes its calming effect to the essential oil it contains. An infusion of lemon balm soothes states of severe nervousness, neurosis, over-agitation, and problems with falling asleep. Melissa oil also has a diastolic and relaxing effect - it relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, so you can drink an infusion of lemon balm, e.g. in case of problems with flatulence.

The phenolic compounds present in lemon balm - flavonoids and phenolic acids - have a strong antioxidant effect. Antioxidants eliminate the effects of free radicals, which are one of the causes of the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and neurological diseases. This means that drinking lemon balm tea may lower your risk of developing these diseases.

Melissa oil also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Studies have shown that the antiviral properties of Melissa oil (when applied to the skin), on the herpes virus. Therefore, you can drink lemon balm as an auxiliary in states of reduced immunity and during bacterial and viral infections. However, it is worth remembering that the use of lemon balm may impair the ability to drive, so be especially careful.
Lemon balm in cosmetics and aromatherapy

The properties of the lemon balm herb can also be used in home cosmetic treatments. Lemon balm infusion, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, will be perfect for people with seborrhoeic and acne-prone skin. The tonic prepared on its basis will have a soothing effect on the skin, regulating the work of sebaceous glands and soothing inflammatory changes.

You can also prepare a hair rinse on the basis of lemon balm. It is especially recommended for people with oily hair. It will also help fight dandruff.

Melissa oil can be used in aromatherapy. Just pour a few drops into the so-called an aromatherapy fireplace or air humidifier so that the relaxing aroma of lemon balm floats throughout the apartment.