Lemon balm: calming and relaxation

Lemon balmor simply lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has long been popular in folk medicine as a natural sedative. Its ingredients, especially rosmarinic acid, haverelaxing, calming, antispasmodic, antibacterial and antiviral propertiesTraditionally, the medicinal plant is used to bring the organism into balance – be it in cases of inner restlessness, irritability or nervous gastrointestinal complaints.

What exactly is lemon balm?

As a rule, when we think of lemon balm – as in lemon balm spirit or lemon balm tea, for example – we automatically mean lemon balm. It is a plant species from the larger genus of lemon balm plants, which in turn belongs to the mint family. The herbaceous, perennial plant is grownworldwide in warm and temperate regionsIt grows naturally and easily. Its preferred habitats are humus-rich loam or sandy soils in warm and dry areas. The natural habitat of lemon balm extends from Asia Minor to southwest Siberia, and today it is cultivated in Central Europe. The plant can live up to 30 years and reaches heights of up to 90 centimeters, in rare cases even over a meter. A typical identifying feature is itscharacteristic lemon scent.

Use of lemon balm?

In addition to their use as a kitchen spice, liqueur ingredient and bee pasture, the leaves of lemon balm are very popular as a medicinal herb. Traditionally, preparations containing lemon balm are usedtoCalming and relaxationand to support theStomach and intestinal functionFor example, lemon balm can be found in teas or lemon balm spirits, but it has also long been a component of dietary supplements that peoplefor stress, tension and inner restlessnesseLemon balm products can also be used as a bath additive, whether as a relaxing or calming bath or simply as a feel-good bath. In addition, the antiviral lemon balmapplied externally as an alternative to synthetic antiviral drugs against cold soresHere, too, the tannin-like rosmarinic acid contained in lemon balm plays an outstanding role.

What exactly is rosmarinic acid?

Rosmarinic acid, or with the scientific name phenylacrylic acid, is contained in many plants and is one of the secondary plant substances. Lamiaceae have a very high concentration of it, for example lemon balm. Rosmarinic acid is consideredanti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and nerve-protective. The antioxidant rosmarinic acid is naturally found as an ingredient in many lemon balm preparations, which are available as tablets, capsules or in powder form. Lemon balmis also found in some ointments used for sports injuries and also in gastrointestinal remedies.

What are other important ingredients of lemon balm?

The leaves of lemon balm (Melissae folium) are of medicinal interest. They contain Lamiaceae tannins, among which “rosmarinic acid” plays the most important role andFlavonoids. AlsoBitter substances and essential oilare among the active ingredients. The oil is composed of citral and citronellal. The composition of these substances in the oil depends on the origin and climate, the age of the plant and the time of harvest.

In 1988, lemon balm was named medicinal plant of the year in Germany.

Is lemon balm well tolerated?

Lemon balm is agentle medicinal herbthat is well tolerated by the stomach and, in principle, when dosed correctlyno side effectshas.