Dried lemon balm – Melissa officinalis

Dried lemon balm (lat. *Melissa officinalis*), also known as balm mint or lemon grass, is an edible plant from the mint family (Lamiaceae). It has been used in traditional medicine, nutrition, and cosmetics due to its numerous healing properties. Lemon balm is a natural beneficial product that can be useful for health and beauty, and its use is simple and versatile.

Description of dried lemon balm:

  • Appearance: Lemon balm has light green, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The flowers are small, white or yellowish.
  • Taste and scent: It has a mild lemon fragrance and taste, making it popular for making teas and cosmetic products.
  • Composition: It is rich in essential oils (citral, citronellal), flavonoids, tannins, vitamins (C, B), and minerals (magnesium, potassium).

Healing properties of lemon balm:

  • Calming and stress reduction: Lemon balm has a mild sedative effect, helping to reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
  • Improvement of digestion: It promotes the secretion of digestive juices and alleviates symptoms of digestive issues such as bloating, cramps, and gastritis.
  • Antiviral effect: The essential oils of lemon balm work against viruses, especially herpes viruses.
  • Antioxidant effect: Flavonoids and other substances protect cells from oxidative stress.
  • Support for heart health: It lowers blood pressure and soothes heart palpitations.
  • Hormonal regulation: It may help alleviate symptoms of PMS and menopause.
  • Antibacterial effect: The essential oils of lemon balm work against bacteria.

Uses of lemon balm:

  • As tea: Effect: Lemon balm tea calms the nerves, improves digestion, and helps with insomnia.
  • For cosmetic purposes:
    • Ointments and creams: Lemon balm extracts are used in cosmetics for their soothing and antibacterial properties. They are good for caring for irritated skin.
    • Oil: Essential lemon balm oil can be used for massaging the skin, as it soothes irritation and improves circulation.
    • Scrub: Ground, dried lemon balm can be used as a natural scrub to remove dead skin cells.
  • In nutrition:
    • Spice: Dried lemon balm is used as a spice in dishes, sauces, and salads.
    • Smoothie ingredient: Ground, dried lemon balm can be added to smoothies to boost nutrient intake.