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Melissa herb is used to treat a variety of diseases. Before using a plant, you need to familiarize yourself with its features and properties.
Chemical composition of lemon balm
Medicinal lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial plant of the Lamiaceae family. It has a branched rhizome and a tetrahedral, almost bare or slightly pubescent stem. The leaves of the plant are located on the shoot in opposite order on the petioles; they are ovoid or rhombic in shape, with a crenate edge.
Medicinal lemon balm rises up to 1.2 m above the ground
In June - August, medicinal lemon balm bears bluish-white or purple flowers, collected in false rings of 6-12 pieces. In August and September, the fruits ripen, consisting of four round, shiny black nuts.
The beneficial and harmful properties of lemon balm herb are due to its rich composition.The plant contains:
- essential oils;
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamins B1, B2 and B6;
- sodium, magnesium and potassium;
- rosmarinic and caffeic acids;
- carotenoids;
- tannins;
- flavonoids and resins;
- bitterness;
- vitamin B9;
- iron and calcium;
- manganese, copper and phosphorus;
- vitamin PP;
- zinc.
Melissa has a pleasant refreshing scent with lemon notes. The beneficial substances in the composition give the plant pronounced healing qualities.
Medicinal properties of lemon balm
Melissa helps against many diseases if used correctly. Decoctions and infusions based on the plant:
- relieve dizziness and migraines;
- have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, help eliminate insomnia;
- relieve unreasonable feelings of anxiety and fear;
- eliminate tachycardia and chest pain caused by nervous disorders;
- reduce blood pressure;
- improve the condition of bronchitis, tracheitis and asthma;
- promote expectoration when coughing;
- normalize digestion and improve appetite;
- relieve nausea and prevent belching;
- improve intestinal motility and prevent constipation;
- help with increased gas formation and prevent colic;
- remove small stones from the kidneys and bladder;
- help get rid of edema;
- eliminate toothache and relieve gum inflammation;
- help strengthen bones, joints and connective tissues;
- improve the condition of the skin and make it smoother and more elastic.
Melissa is useful for the human body with increased nervous excitability. Decoctions of the plant have a calming effect, but do not cause drowsiness.
Benefits of lemon balm for women
The effect of lemon balm on the body of women is manifested in the fact that the medicinal herb, when used correctly, normalizes the menstrual cycle. You can use decoctions and infusions of the plant for chronic delays in menstruation, abdominal pain and sudden mood swings. The medicinal herb has a beneficial effect on hormonal levels during menopause and improves physical and psychological well-being.
Plant raw materials can also be used in cosmetology. Natural products based on it help clear the epidermis of rashes and slow down the aging process. It is useful to rinse your hair with medicinal lemon balm decoctions - this eliminates dandruff and normalizes the oiliness of the scalp.
Lemon balm can be used in moderation during pregnancy - it helps fight toxicosis and edema.
Benefits of lemon balm for men
The benefits and harms of lemon balm leaf are in demand not only for women, but also for men. You can use plant-based products to prevent cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Natural raw materials reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks in men, and also calm the nerves and reduce irritability.
It must be remembered that medicinal herbs, when used in moderation, suppress potency. It must be taken in strict accordance with prescription recommendations.
The use of lemon balm in folk medicine
The properties of lemon balm for the human body are widely used in folk medicine. Based on the plant, products are made for internal and external use with strong medicinal qualities.
Melissa infusion
A universal infusion of plant leaves is beneficial for nervous disorders and stomach diseases, headaches and nausea.The remedy is made as follows:
- Grind about 15 g of dried leaves of the plant.
- Pour 250 ml of hot water into the medicinal raw material.
- Leave covered for half an hour.
The medicinal infusion should be used three times a day in the volume of a glass. It is best to drink the drug in its pure form, but if desired, you can add honey to improve the taste.
Tea with lemon balm
The medicinal properties of lemon balm are fully revealed when preparing tea. Brew the drink according to this recipe:
- About 10 g of crushed dry leaves are poured into a ceramic teapot.
- Pour a glass of boiling water over the raw material.
- Leave covered for an hour.
- After time, strain the tea through a sieve.
It is best to use medicinal lemon balm tea in between meals, 200-250 ml. It is not advisable to add sugar and other sweeteners to the drink.
Vodka tincture
When treating with lemon balm, a strong vodka tincture of the plant is often used. You can do it according to the following scheme:
- Fresh or dry medicinal herbs are crushed and poured into a glass vessel in a volume of 100 g.
- Pour the raw material with 500 ml of diluted alcohol or high-quality vodka.
- Seal the vessel and put it in a dark place for a week.
- After the expiration date, filter the product.
The finished medicinal tincture is consumed 20 drops up to three times a day. It is recommended to use the drug for inflammation, diseases of the throat and oral cavity. For convenience, before use, the strong product is diluted in a small amount of water so that it does not burn the mucous membranes.
The tincture can also be used externally.The drug is used to treat cuts and abrasions to prevent infection.
You can continuously use lemon balm tincture with vodka for up to ten days.
Decoction of lemon balm leaves
The benefits of lemon balm decoction are manifested in diseases of the stomach and intestines, nausea and chronic constipation. You can prepare the remedy according to the following algorithm:
- The dried herb is crushed in a volume of 10 g.
- Pour 250 ml of boiling water over the raw material.
- Simmer the product in a water bath for ten minutes.
- Remove the broth from the stove, cool and filter through cheesecloth.
It is necessary to consume the finished medicinal product 15 ml three times a day. The decoction is also recommended for use for inflammation of the mouth and throat - it is heated until warm and used for rinsing.
Use in cosmetology
Home cosmetology recommends using the healing properties of lemon balm. The herb has a rejuvenating effect on the skin and fights premature wrinkles, strengthens hair and helps get rid of dandruff.
For facial skin
Most often, medicinal plant raw materials in cosmetology are used for facial skin care. The herb is suitable for any type of epidermis, has a tightening and moisturizing effect. If you use the plant regularly, it will improve your complexion and help get rid of dark circles under the eyes and puffiness.
For dry skin
You can use lemon balm to rejuvenate the epidermis, get rid of flaking skin and restore freshness to your face. The following treatment mask gives a good effect:
- Fresh washed leaves of the plant are ground into a paste.
- Mix 30 g of raw materials with 3 g of butter.
- Melt the ingredients in a water bath for a couple of minutes.
- Mix the viscous composition with 5 g of natural honey.
The mask is distributed over the face and left for 15 minutes. After the expiration date, the treatment should be washed off with warm water.
For rashes
Melissa helps get rid of acne and irritation, normalizes the production of subcutaneous sebum. The following mask is popular:
- About 15 g of potato starch is poured with a small amount of lemon balm decoction.
- Add two drops of the plant’s essential oil to the resulting pulp.
- Mix properly.
The mask is applied to a washed face and distributed in an even layer. You need to keep the composition for 15 minutes, then wash it off with warm water.
Hair Mask
Medicinal lemon balm can be regularly used to strengthen hair, against hair loss, to restore shine and strength to curls. At home, it is recommended to use the following mask:
- Melissa and mint, fresh or dried, are mixed in 45 g each.
- Pour 500 ml of boiling water over the plant components.
- Leave covered for eight hours at room temperature.
- After the period has passed, filter.
- Mix a small amount of infusion with 30 ml of fat sour cream.
Distribute the finished mask over the entire length of the hair, lightly rubbing at the roots of the curls. Then the head is wrapped in film and insulated with a towel. You need to keep the mask on for an hour, after which the product is washed off using natural shampoo.
If you use medicinal lemon balm on an ongoing basis, it will not only strengthen your curls, but also improve the condition of your scalp. The epidermis at the roots will stop itching and flaking, and sebum production will normalize. The hair will begin to get dirty more slowly and become especially manageable.
For lemon balm to have a good effect on your skin and hair, you need to use it twice a week.
Harm of lemon balm and contraindications
The medicinal properties and contraindications of lemon balm are closely related to each other. It is necessary to stop consuming the plant:
- for individual allergies;
- with exacerbation of pancreatitis, stomach ulcers or intestinal colitis;
- with a tendency to diarrhea;
- with hyperacid gastritis.
Medicinal lemon balm should be used with caution for stones in the kidneys or bladder. If you use herbal remedies correctly, they will be able to remove small stones and prevent their further accumulation. However, in the presence of large stones, the medicinal herb will most likely cause harm. Decoctions and infusions can provoke the movement of stones and cause severe pain.
You should not use medicinal lemon balm if you have alcohol dependence. The plant contains substances that can increase cravings for alcohol.
Medicinal lemon balm can reduce reaction speed and concentration. Therefore, it is not advisable to use the plant before working with dangerous mechanisms or driving.
You should not use lemon balm if you have severe hypotension.
If used with caution, lemon balm is unlikely to cause side effects. But if consumed in excess, the plant can cause nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. If negative symptoms appear, you need to stop using the herb and wait until the condition normalizes.
Conclusion
Melissa herb is used for the treatment of diseases and for skin and hair care. If you use the plant according to all the rules, it will not cause harm to the body, but will have a pronounced strengthening and calming effect.
Reviews on the use of lemon balm
https://youtu.be/749zrYDdqz8
