Why lemon balm is useful for the human body - its use in folk medicine, cooking and cosmetology. Melissa officinalis - affordable herbal medicine in your garden Melissa officinalis indications for use and contraindications

Melissa officinalis (or lemon balm) is a plant that has traditionally been used for relaxation as well as improving cognitive function. Melissa really promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, while improvement in cognitive function does not always appear (only in a state of stress, in other conditions it acts as a sedative). Although lemon balm is unlikely to have cognitive-enhancing effects, it is relaxing. As for cognitive functions, taking lemon balm even has a negative effect on them - healthy people who took lemon balm before testing for cognitive abilities showed a deterioration in reaction and memory (compared to placebo), which was associated with a sedative effect, but on the other hand, the quality of memory improved (the number of correctly formed images). One experiment was designed to determine whether lemon balm caused a "pleasure" effect, but this effect was not observed. In theory, substances that promote relaxation should improve sleep. One study currently available suggests that anxiety-reducing properties help improve sleep in people suffering from anxiety-related insomnia. To summarize, we can say that information about the ability of lemon balm to improve cognitive function is somewhat exaggerated. This plant helps improve the quality of memory, but (due to sedative effects) reduces the amount of information remembered and the speed of memorization. At the moment, lemon balm is marketed as a sedative; more research is needed to confirm other properties.

basic information

Other names: Lemon balm, lemon balm infusion (German Melissengeist), trumpet monarda, lemon balm, lemon balm, lemongrass (Portuguese version - Erva-cidreira)

Not to be confused with: limonene (sometimes called lemon extract)

On a note! Although the alcohol extract contains the most bioactives, lemon balm tea also has bioactive properties.

Variety:

Nootropics

Anti-stress drugs

Preparations used in aromatherapy

Melissa: instructions for use

The lowest active dose is 300mg, and the higher the dose, the greater the effectiveness, although this varies - in one study, 1200mg was 3 times more effective than 300mg, and in another, only 1.4 times more effective. The bioactives of lemon balm can enter the body both through the use of tea based on it and through aromatherapy, however, using these methods, it is quite difficult to establish the correct dosage.

Sources and composition

Sources

Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae) is a plant sometimes called lemon balm and is traditionally used as a remedy for nervous disorders, to improve memory, and also as a sedative. This plant has traditionally been used in Eastern Europe, mainly in Croatia. Its use is documented in the Materia Medica - 50-80 BC. Along with lemon balm, the plant is commonly called monarda tubularis, lemon balm, or simply lemon balm. Melissa officinalis is also used in Brazil, where it is called "erva-cidreira". Melissa is a plant used primarily for its sedative effects, cognitive enhancement, and relaxation effects. Traditionally, lemon balm is taken either orally or through tea and aromatherapy.

Compound

The presence of chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid was not confirmed. For the most part, lemon balm contains caffeic acid and similar molecules, including rosmarinic acid. Contains triterpenoids and polyphenols in much smaller quantities; Although the main flavonoid is luteolin (as a glucuronide), its amount is small and may not be bioactive. Total phenol content in the largest quantities observed in aqueous extracts, in comparison with alcoholic and methanolic ones, in plant extracts the indicator reaches 54.9+/-2.14 mg (5.5% gallic acid equivalent) and in tea extract – 109.24 mg/g (10.9 %). The phenolic component of lemon balm is much higher than in angustifolia lavender, but less than in oregano and peppermint. The amount of phenol in lemon balm comparable to its content in the leaves of black currant and thyme, and more than in the leaves of olive and stinging nettle. The flavonoid content of lemon balm accounts for 47% of total phenolics; contains more kaempferol than quercecin (3.5:1), although this is somewhat controversial as some studies have varied indications and sometimes did not detect the presence of kaempferol at all. The composition also includes tannin, reaching 5.18+/-0.73 mg/g after 15 minutes of extraction and 8.62+/-0.96 mg/g after hydrolysis. Lemon balm contains a high amount of phenols (in general; anything with a benzene ring is phenolic, with several rings being polyphenolic in structure).

Neurology

GABAergic mechanisms

In relation to GABA (mainly a sedative neurotransmitter), the methanol extract has secondary GABAergic activity after inhibition of the enzyme GABA transminase (IC50 - 0.55+/-0.2 mg/ml), greater than in hexane (not detected at all), yl acetate (2.55 +/-0.28 mg/ml) and aqueous extracts (0.82+/-0.3 mg/ml). The most effective molecules in this regard are ursolic acid (5.0+/-3.6% inhibition at 1 µg/ml and 19.9+/-10.6% inhibition at 100 µg/ml), oleanolic acid (20.2+/- 11.1% at 10 µg/ml), and rosmarinic acid (4.6+/-2.2% inhibition at 1 µg/ml and 40.4+/-3.2% at 100 µg/ml) and ursolic acid are slightly synergistic when combined with oleanolic acid. Reduced GABA transminase concentrations were noted in vivo after oral administration of 50-200 mg/kg in rats at 5 weeks of age (as found by external examination of the hippocampal dentate gyrus). Lemon balm has GABAergic activity, although the mechanism is different from other dietary supplements.

Effect on sleep

In a 15-day open-label study of people with moderate levels of stress and anxiety along with sleep disorders, consuming 300 mg of lemon balm (7% rosmarinic acid and 15% hydrocinnamic acid) after breakfast and 300 mg before bed helped reduce insomnia. caused by anxiety, by 42% (overall). Melissa officinalis is commonly consumed along with valerian officinalis to achieve better sedative effects, and at least one comprehensive study using this combination (120mg valerian (4.5:1 concentration) and lemon balm - 90mg (5:1 concentration) ) before bedtime, this combination helped improve the quality of sleep (33% of subjects noted this effect), which was more significant than placebo (only 9% of subjects noted this effect; this combination was quite “mild” and side effects were practically absent. Another study noted that a combination of lemon balm and valerian may help reduce anxiety and dyssomnia in children. Melissa officinalis helps improve sleep, but it is difficult to talk about its effects in isolation, since in studies it was used in combination with valerian.

Effects on anxiety and stress

In rats, 120-360mg/kg lemon balm extract (9.32% rosmarinic acid) for 15 days produced anxiolytic effects in an open-label study and in a moving maze study, but in the hole-board test there was no evidence no effects were observed even at the highest doses (240 mg/kg and 360 mg/kg). The anxiolytic effects (30-300 mg/kg of alcoholic extract) in one experiment were comparable to 1 mg/kg diazepam when used for 10 days, and were most pronounced in females (only a dose of 300 mg/kg had a more active effect on males). One study using lemon oil vapor inhalation reported anti-stress effects that were associated with serotonergic signaling (specifically the 5-HT1A receptor). Oral intake of lemon balm and inhalation of lemon oil vapor have also been found to be effective in animal studies. In a clinical setting, a single dose of 600 mg of lemon balm taken before a stress test was associated with calming and reducing anxiety (the effect increased after the test), while 300 mg had no effect on mood at all. Another study using a single dose of Lotzenge, which contains lemon balm, observed changes in brain waves that were similar to the effects of standard anxiolytics. Melissa officinalis helps reduce feelings of anxiety with a single dose. People who took 300 mg of lemon balm (7% rosmarinic acid and 15% hydrocinnamic acid) with breakfast and before bed for 15 days had anxiolytic effects on anxiety-related appetite problems (33% less base value), with emotional instability (7%), with fatigue (18%), feelings of guilt (15%) or feelings of inferiority (18%), as well as with psychosomatic symptoms (33%) and intellectual disorders (28%). Melissa officinalis helps reduce anxiety when taken for a period of time in the morning and before bed.

Impact on memory and learning process

One study found that lemon balm has the ability to bind to nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. Mild inhibition of acetylcholinesterase has also been noted with fresh lemon balm leaves; subsequent studies failed to establish inhibition of acetylcholyesterase using up to 0.25 mg/ml. In further research, it was revealed that the extract practically does not contribute to the displacement of nicotine or scopolamine from the receptor. This was revealed during the dissection of human neural tissue, where nicotine was displaced at average concentrations of 180-3120 μg/ml, and scopolamine at 2.69-4.31 mg/ml (alcoholic extract of the plant), although it could have been better (the most significant displacement observed at 4.2 µg/ml in the case of nicotine and 102.6 µg/ml with scopolamine), but there appears to be a high variability. Melissa officinalis is able to interact with acetylcholine receptors, agonistic (activating) properties are observed, which, however, are unstable. In the hippocampal dentate gyrus of aged rats, a dose of 50-200 mg/kg daily improves neurogenesis (by 244.1-763.9% compared to the control group, respectively), which is associated with a decrease in corticosterone concentrations. There has been a single case of increased neurogenesis when rats were fed lemon balm. A 300 mg dose of lemon balm, taken once before the stress test, contributed to a (slight) improvement in answers to mathematical questions; increasing the dose to 600 mg did not improve the results. With a single dose of 600 or 1600 mg of lemon balm, improvements were observed (compared to placebo) in memory quality (percentage of correct answers or memories), there were also prerequisites for improvement in memorizing images, words, and spatial memory, but no improvement in working memory or attention was observed. There were also isolated cases of improvement in memory quality (attention and reaction time). With oral administration of high doses of lemon balm (600-1600 mg), there is a relatively weak improvement in cognitive functions. Although cognitive functions are practically unaffected, taking 600-1200 mg of lemon balm helps reduce the speed of memorization without affecting memory formation per se. There was also a decrease in the speed of processing rapidly changing visual information, as well as isolated cases of false results. Another study noted a significant decrease in spatial memory after a single dose of 300-900 mg, and this was also noted in the case of word recall. The relaxing effect of lemon balm may reduce learning as it is likely to be overly sedative.

Neuroprotection

In hippocampal cortical neurons deprived of oxygen, 10 μg/ml lemon balm contributed to the preservation of almost half of the neurons, which would otherwise lead to hypoxia, and this dose also contributed to a decrease in the concentration of caspase-3 fragmentation and DNA (indicators of apoptosis); concentrations of 2500-500 µg/ml contributed to the inherent cytotoxicity of neurons. Neuroprotection was also observed in hippocampal cells exposed to ecstasy. In vitro, lemon balm has neuroprotective properties against toxicity that causes inflammatory processes. In a model of hippocampal occlusion (in mice), 100 mg/kg lemon balm, taken for 2 weeks before treatment of occlusion and thereafter, helped reduce lipid peroxidation (MDA and TEAC) and the concentrations of HIF-1α and TNF-alpha and IL1-β ( which was caused by hypoxia) were also suppressed by the action of lemon balm.

Effect on pain

In one study in exercised rats, the analgesic effect of lemon balm was noted (ID50 241.9 mg/kg), which was provided by rosmarinic acid. It is possible that lemon balm may have pain-relieving properties, but more research is needed to be sure.

Interactions with glucose metabolism

Procedures

One study using lemon balm essential oil at a dose of 0.125 mg per day in mice (0.415 mg/kg; human equivalent: 0.03 mg/kg) for 6 weeks found that when tested for glucose tolerance , essential oil contributed to a decrease in glucose and insulin levels in the blood serum. One study also found improved glucose tolerance with by mouth lemon balm for several weeks, it is not known by what means this is accomplished.

Inflammation and immunology

Virology

Aqueous-alcoholic extract of lemon balm leaves reduced the cytopathic effects of HSV-2 (Vero cells) in the range of 0.025 to 1 mg/ml with a maximum inhibition level of 60% achieved at 0.5 mg/ml. Compared to the control drug acyclovir (0.5 µg/ml, 94+/-3% inhibition), lemon balm lags significantly behind.

Interactions with oxidation

Mechanisms

Antioxidant properties are observed in aqueous, alcoholic and methanolic extracts of lemon balm, and the aqueous extract is the most effective (as measured by lipid peroxidation byproducts during lipid peroxidation in brain tissue); The IC50 for iron-induced lipid peroxidation byproduct reduction was 15.67+/-2.03µg/ml and 11+/-0.6µg/ml for sodium nitroprusside-induced oxidation, while the IC50 values ​​for diphenylpicrylhydrazyl extracts ranged from 24.3 to 32.9µg /ml. The antioxidant properties of lemon balm were more pronounced than those of chamomile or lemongrass, and less than those of isolated quercetin or gallic acid. In rats, 250 mg/kg lemon balm (given for two weeks) promotes a protective response to genotoxicity caused by methyl methane sulfonate. A dose of 500 mg/kg was also effective, but there was no noticeable difference between the two doses. In a study of the effects of lemon balm on radiology department staff constantly exposed to low doses of radiation, it was found that drinking lemon balm tea (1.5 g of tea per 100 ml of water) for 30 days helped reduce oxidative damage to DNA, as well as reduce myoperoxidase and lipid levels. peroxidation. Antioxidant effects have been confirmed when people took 1.5g of lemon balm leaves daily.

Interactions with cancer metabolism

Colon

In HCT-116 colon cancer cells, both the aqueous extract and the 50% methanol extract exhibited antiproliferative effects, and the ethanolic extract reduced cell viability by up to 40% at 5 µg/ml (72 hours), and by a further 13% at 1000 µg/ml; a similar effect was observed when the aqueous extract and Triton were used together at similar concentrations.

Interactions with other substances

Valerian

Lemon balm and valerian officinalis are often used together to improve sleep quality, as lemon balm can slightly inhibit GABA transaminase enzymes (converting GABA to glutamate), and valerian bioactives also mildly stimulate glutamate decarboxylase (converting glutamate to GABA); This combination causes a bilateral stimulation of GABA concentrations in the brain. This combination was studied in a comprehensive analysis and tolerance was excellent (no side effects), although results on sleep were equivocal (subjects tended to report no effects), although the number of people who reported a positive effect was higher (33%). ) than in the case of placebo (9%).

Melissa officinalis is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. It is known for its sedative properties, but its range of uses is wider. Miracle herb can be added to dishes and drinks as a seasoning, and medicinal decoctions, infusions and tinctures can be prepared based on it. The plant is widespread in temperate climates, so it can be harvested independently or grown on the site. However, lemon balm in tablets and in the form of crushed dry herbs is sold in pharmacies.

Melissa officinalis: plant description

Melissa is a medicinal plant that grows in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Its properties were mentioned in chronicles Ancient Rome and Greece. Today, lemon balm is cultivated for use in cooking, medicine and cosmetology. It looks like a small herbaceous bush, highly branched and lush, with rounded leaves. The plant can be confused with, the leaves of which have a similar shape. The main difference between the two is the smell. If you rub a small mint leaf between your fingers, a strong menthol aroma immediately appears. Melissa officinalis contains a smaller amount of essential oils, so the herb is not as aromatic.

When lemon balm leaves are rubbed, a slight lemony smell appears, for which the plant has found use in beekeeping. It repels bees, so before working with them, just stock up on fresh grass.

It is important to harvest medicinal herbs before the flowering period begins. The action of lemon balm does not extend to its roots, so only the stems and leaves need to be collected. They are dried in a warm, dry and well-ventilated area, and then placed in small fabric bags for long-term storage (up to 12 months). It is worth remembering that the most useful grass will be collected in environmentally friendly places. For this reason, it is better to grow it on own plot or at home in a pot.

Chemical composition and mechanism of action

The beneficial properties of lemon balm herb and taste are due to its chemical composition. All components are collected in optimal proportions and have a number of effects after ingestion. Before using an herb as a medicine, you should familiarize yourself with its components and understand what effect they produce.

The chemical composition of lemon balm is represented by the following elements:

• essential oils (found in the highest concentration) are a source of terpenoids that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects;
• The terpenoid citronellal produces a slight sedative effect, which makes lemon balm soothing when used in tea or decoction;
• terpenoids geraniol, citronellol - natural antispasmodics;
• rosmarinic acid - useful as an antiviral component (especially effective against the herpes virus), and also relieves inflammation;
• other components: flavonoids, resins, tannins, saponins, vitamins A and B, trace elements.

Analysis of the components allows us to understand what lemon balm herb can be used for and how it will affect the human body. The complex composition, when used correctly, can improve well-being, get rid of inflammatory diseases and viral infections, as well as strengthen the immune system and tone the body. Infusions, decoctions, tinctures: there are a huge number of recipes, and it is important to know how to drink lemon balm herb for maximum therapeutic effect.

Indications for use

Like any other medicinal plant, lemon balm has a number of effects in the body. It can be taken orally or externally, depending on the indications. The range of uses of this herb is very wide - with regular use it has a positive effect on all organ systems simultaneously.

Problems with the heart and nervous system

One of the most famous areas of application is lemon balm for the heart. It normalizes blood pressure in hypertension, has a positive effect on indicators heart rate. It is also recommended for coronary disease, atherosclerosis and other dangerous diseases cardiovascular system as an additional treatment method.

Melissa extract is popular for various work disorders nervous system. Fears, frequent mood swings, decreased performance and apathy, depression and other conditions that indicate nervous disorders can be successfully treated with rest and taking herbal sedatives. Melissa also helps normalize sleep and quickly relieves insomnia.

Help in gynecology and gastrointestinal diseases

Melissa is also used in gynecology. Painful sensations caused by menstruation or menopause can be successfully relieved by taking decoctions and infusions. They contain anti-inflammatory components and antispasmodics, so they target the center of pain. Also, these remedies are recommended during pregnancy and lactation to get rid of feelings of nausea, and then to increase milk production. Melissa herb for men is also indicated in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary tract.

Another area of ​​use of this plant is diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The herb has a diuretic and mild laxative effect, helps restore enzymes in the intestines. It also increases the production and outflow of bile, preventing the development cholelithiasis. Melissa can also be taken as a preventative measure to keep the digestive system healthy.

Melissa for colds and skin problems

Melissa should be added to tea or drunk as a decoction for colds and ARVI. Its components strengthen the immune system, stop inflammatory processes and have a detrimental effect on pathogenic microflora. It can also be given to children younger age. However, treatment with lemon balm and contraindications to its use are individual, so it is better to consult a doctor.

Melissa tincture is also suitable for external use. It is recommended for purulent skin diseases, including furunculosis. However, at home it will be useful for acne or for treating oily skin. A decoction of lemon balm will soothe sensitive skin.

Despite the fact that products based on this medicinal plant can be prepared independently, doctors do not deny the benefits of using lemon balm herb. Unlike many others traditional methods, it has proven its effectiveness and safety. It is especially recommended for normalizing the state of the nervous system.

Contraindications and side effects

Despite the huge number of beneficial properties of lemon balm herb, you should consult your doctor before using it. Even healthy person An allergic reaction to this plant may occur, including Quincke's edema. It is impossible to predict this, but when the first symptoms appear (swelling of the mucous membranes, the appearance of a rash), it is necessary to urgently stop treatment. The second factor to consider is lemon balm and pressure.

With hypotension (decreased blood pressure) lemon balm can aggravate the condition.

Recipes based on lemon balm

Before using lemon balm, it is important to prepare it properly. If you store it in high humidity or in the open sun, the plant will lose its beneficial properties.

The simplest recipe is to add a few fresh or dry twigs to tea. They will add flavor and strengthen the body in the fight against infection:

1. Melissa decoction is the easiest way to prepare it. You will need 1 glass of water per spoon of dried crushed raw materials. The mixture is brought to a boil, and then kept on low heat for another 10 minutes. When the liquid has cooled to room temperature, it should be strained and drunk throughout the day.
2. Melissa infusion - used for the same indications as the decoction. Dry lemon balm herb must be poured with boiling water and left warm overnight. In the morning you will get a ready-made infusion, which can be divided into several servings and taken several times a day.
3. Tincture of lemon balm with vodka is useful for insomnia and for external use. To prepare it you will need dry grass and vodka in a 1:1 ratio. The mixture is infused for 2 weeks in a dry, dark room and then filtered. The liquid is taken orally by spoon.

The herb lemon balm, whose beneficial properties and contraindications are confirmed by official medicine, is sold in any pharmacy. It can also be purchased in tablets - this form is more convenient and allows you to more accurately calculate dosages. In addition, lemon balm can be added to food in any quantity. It is considered a universal natural seasoning; it is stored for a long time and enriches the taste and aroma of dishes and drinks.

Video about the beneficial properties of lemon balm

Melissa (lat. Melissa)- a genus of perennials herbaceous plants family Lamiaceae (lat. Lamiaceae).

The name of the plant "Melissa" comes from the Greek. "Μέλισσα", which means - honey bee. The Greek name “Melissophyllon” literally translates as “bee leaf”, since lemon balm is a good honey plant and a favorite plant of bees.

Other names for lemon balm: lemon balm, honey balm, queen plant, roewort, bee balm.

Melissa officinalis (latin: Melissa officinalis) has medicinal properties, which we will talk about later in the article.

Avicenna mentioned lemon balm in his works as a remedy that increases vitality and drives away melancholy. In ancient Eastern medicine, it was used to strengthen the heart, sensory organs, brain and memory. Today, this has not lost its popularity and is widely used in.

Melissa can be found among bushes, on forest edges and near weedy places. Also, it is specially planted on their plots, in botanical gardens, etc. Flowering period – July–September.

Harvesting lemon balm is best done in a sunny and windless period. To do this, cut off the above-ground part of the plant along with the leaves in the initial phase of mass flowering. After cutting, it is necessary that at least 10 cm of the stem remain. The grass should be dried in the shade, outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, or in a special dryer. When drying, you need to protect the raw materials from direct sunlight and mix thoroughly from time to time. The shelf life of dried lemon balm is 1 year.

Chemical composition of lemon balm

The healing properties of lemon balm are due to its rich composition. So, lemon balm contains:

• 0.1-0.3% essential oil;
• tannins;
• coumarins, bitters, mucus and resins;
• flavonoids: apigenin, cosmosin, rhamnocitrin, isoquercitrin, luteolin, cynaroside and rhamnazine;
• monoterpenes: citral, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, citronellal;
• phenylpropanoids: rosemarinic, caffeic, chlorogenic, n-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic acids;
• phenolcarboxylic acids: gentisic, salicylic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, lilac, protocatechuic acids);
• linalool, myrcene, geranyl acetate, daucosterol, ursolic acid, n-cymene, β-caryophyllene oxide, β-caryophyllene and others;
• carotenoids;
• vitamins: , ;
• macro- and microelements: manganese, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, nickel.

Melissa - medicinal properties

The use of lemon balm is advisable for the following diseases and pathological conditions:

• neurology: , neuralgia, nervous excitement, and other types;
• cardiology: rapid heartbeat, mild forms, pressure surges due to emotional overstrain;
• otorhinolaryngology: , ;
• pulmonology: tracheobronchitis, ;
• dentistry: , gum inflammation, periodontal disease;
• gastroenterology: digestive problems, colic, dyskinesia, fermentopathy;
• gynecology: disorders, menopausal disorders;
• dermatology: , trophic ulcers, ;
• other: bruises and burns, immunodeficiency states, toxicosis during pregnancy.

Melissa also has the following beneficial properties:

• sedative;
• painkiller;
• antiviral;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antiemetic;
• diuretic;
• laxative;
• stimulates the activity of the digestive system;
• enhances the secretory function of the stomach;
• stimulates bile duct motility;
• enhances lactation during breastfeeding;
• bacteriostatic.

Melissa - contraindications and harm

Benefits and medicinal properties lemon balm are numerous, but, unfortunately, there are a number of contraindications that you need to familiarize yourself with.

Contraindications to taking lemon balm:

• intolerance to lemon balm.

While taking lemon balm or medications containing it, you should avoid activities that require high concentration; it is also recommended not to drive and limit physical activity.

Melissa overdose

Symptoms of lemon balm overdose are:

• headache;
• very severe lethargy and drowsiness.

Melissa, like others medicinal plants should be used strictly according to the prescription.

Important! If signs of overdose appear, you should immediately stop using lemon balm and consult a doctor!

Recipes for using lemon balm for medicinal purposes

Important! Before starting lemon balm treatment, be sure to consult your doctor!

Melissa tea. Pour 30 g of dry lemon balm into 1 liter of boiling water. Leave for half an hour. Strain, divide into 3 doses and drink throughout the day. To improve the taste you can add.

Melissa decoction. Pour 2 teaspoons of dry lemon balm into 1 cup of boiling water. Boil in a water bath for 2-3 minutes, leave to stand for 2 hours, wrapped in a towel. Drink 150 ml 3 times a day.

Melissa infusion. 1 tbsp. Pour a spoonful of dry lemon balm into a glass of boiling water, cover with a lid and leave for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey and drink 2/3 cup warm after dinner and before bed.

Melissa tincture. Pour 1 part lemon balm with 3 parts vodka or 40% alcohol in glass containers. Leave in a dry, dark place for 7 days. Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of tincture in 1/3 glass of water and take 3 times a day or apply externally.

Melissa treatment - recipes

Toothache, gum disease, periodontal disease. 2 tbsp. spoons of lemon balm pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 1 hour. Rinse your mouth with the warm infusion.

Sinusitis. Inhale lemon balm infusion every hour for 5 minutes. Soak the cotton wool in the hot infusion of lemon balm and insert it into your nose, from time to time warm the cotton wool in the heated infusion.

Insomnia, vegetative-vascular dystonia, neurasthenia, tachycardia, gastrointestinal disorders. 1 tbsp. Pour 400 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of lemon balm leaves and leave for 10 minutes. Drink 0.5 glasses 2-3 times a day.

Atherosclerosis, hypertension. 4 tbsp. Mix spoons of lemon balm with 3 tbsp. spoons of rue herb and 3 tbsp. spoons. For 200 ml of boiling water, take 1 tbsp. spoon of the mixture and leave for 2 hours. Drink during the day.

Burns, poorly healing wounds. Grind fresh lemon balm leaves or steam dry leaves in boiling water. Apply a layer of clean gauze to skin lesions. Bedsores can be washed with chilled broth.

Neuralgia, bruises, rheumatism. 2 tbsp. Place spoons of crushed lemon balm leaves in a gauze bag, dip in boiling water and apply tolerably hot to the inflamed area, wrapping a warm scarf on top.

, . Extract the juice from fresh lemon balm leaves. For 1 glass of warm boiled water, take 1 teaspoon of lemon balm juice and make a microenema.

Diseases of the uterus and menstrual irregularities. 2 tbsp. spoons of fresh lemon balm leaves pour 200 ml vegetable oil and leave for 5 days. Strain and store in the refrigerator, tightly covered. This oil should be taken 1-2 times a day, 15 drops.

Nausea and vomiting in pregnant women (with doctor's permission). Mix: 4 tbsp. spoons of lemon balm, 3 tbsp. spoons of peppermint leaves and 3 tbsp. spoons of flowers. 4 tbsp. spoons of the mixture, pour 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Drink 200 ml of infusion daily.

Physical exhaustion, poor metabolism. Mix 20 g of each plant: lemon balm, oregano, and pine buds. Pour the resulting mixture into 1 liter of boiling water, leave to stand, strain and pour into a bath of water. Take a bath for no more than 15 minutes, water temperature 38.

Bath for neurosis. Prepare a decoction: take 75 g of lemon balm, 75 g of peppermint, 30 g of chamomile and boil in 3 liters of water for 5 minutes. Pour into a bath of water and soak for 15-20 minutes.

Pillow for sleeping. Take in equal proportions: dried lemon balm leaves, chamomile, lavender, catnip and hops. Gently mix the herbs, add 6 cloves and 1 teaspoon of crushed cinnamon sticks. Fill the sachet with a cup of the resulting mixture, close it carefully and place it in the pillow. Before use, make sure there are no herbal ingredients in the ingredients.

Peace, health and goodness to you, dear readers!

Registration number and date:

Trade name of the drug: Melissa medicinal herb

Dosage form:

Compound:

Characteristic
Melissa officinalis herb contains essential oil, flavonoids, tannins and other biologically active substances.

Description
A mixture of pieces of stems, leaves, flowers and buds. Color ranges from green to greenish-brown with greyish-green, light green, light brown, brown, brownish-white, yellowish-white patches. The smell is weak, aromatic. The taste of the water extract is slightly bitter.

Pharmacotherapeutic group.
Sedative of plant origin.

pharmachologic effect
An infusion of lemon balm has a mild calming effect and has moderate antispasmodic properties.

Indications for use
Increased emotional excitability, irritability, sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep, early awakening).

Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the drug, drowsiness, lethargy, lethargy, pregnancy, lactation, childhood up to 12 years old.

Directions for use and doses
2 filter bags (3.0 g) are placed in a glass or enamel bowl, pour 200 ml (1 glass) of boiling water, cover and leave for 15 minutes, periodically pressing on the bags with a spoon, then squeeze them out. The volume of the resulting infusion is adjusted to 200 ml with boiled water.
Take 1/2 - 1/3 glass orally 2-3 times a day, 1 hour after meals. The course of treatment is 3-4 weeks.
It is recommended to shake the infusion before use.

Side effect
Allergic reactions are possible.

Interaction with other drugs
Enhances the effect sleeping pills and others medicines, depressing the central nervous system.

special instructions
In case of individual intolerance, lemon balm infusion is replaced with valerian preparations.
With long-term use of the drug in large doses, a decrease in psychomotor reactions is possible - caution should be exercised when driving, operating machinery, etc.

Release form
1.5 g of powder in filter bags; 10 or 20 filter bags in a cardboard pack.
Full text instructions are applied to the pack.

Storage conditions
In a dry place, protected from light; prepared infusion - in a cool place for no more than 2 days.
Keep out of the reach of children!

Best before date
3 years.
Do not use after the expiration date stated on the package.

Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies
Over the counter.

Manufacturer/Complaint Receiving Organization
OJSC "Krasnogorskleksredstva"
Russia, 143444, Moscow region, Krasnogorsk, microdistrict. Opalikha, st. Mira, 25

“Melissa officinalis herb” is a remedy from the group of herbal remedies that have a sedative effect on the body.

What is the composition and release form of Melissa officinalis (herb)?

The pharmaceutical industry produces herbal remedy in the form of crushed raw materials made from grass, which are placed in paper bags, their volume varies: 75, 50 and 30 grams. The active substance is lemon balm herb. The herbal medicine is packaged in a cardboard box, where the date of its release is indicated, as well as the expiration date. Available without a prescription.

In addition, a herbal preparation is produced in powder, which is placed in small filter bags of 1.5 grams, which contain finely ground lemon balm herb. The packages are placed in cardboard packaging. The herbal remedy should be stored in a dark place. The expiration date is indicated on the box and is three years.

It is important to remove the herbal preparation into a room where there is no high humidity, otherwise the phytoraw material may become damp and moldy, which will render it unusable. Accordingly, it is recommended to refuse subsequent use of such herbal medicine.

What is the effect of herbal raw materials/powder of Melissa officinalis (herb)?

A decoction prepared on the basis has a mild calming effect on the body, in addition, it has a moderate antispasmodic effect. The leaves of this plant have a lemon smell, they taste a little astringent, bitterish-spicy.

Melissa contains some important components, thanks to which this plant has a medicinal effect on the body: essential oil, which includes geraniol, citral, in addition, citronellal, as well as myrcene.

In addition, the following components were found in this medicinal plant: mucus, resins, bitterness, fatty oil, ascorbic acid, as well as tannins and some useful organic acids (ursolic, caffeic and some others).

What are the indications for use of Melissa officinalis (herb)?

The instructions for use of the drug "Melissa officinalis herb" allow it to be used if a person has increased emotional excitability; taking this herbal medicine is effective when it is detected, in addition, in case of sleep disturbance, when the patient has difficulty falling asleep or often has early awakening.

What are the contraindications for use of Melissa officinalis (herb)?

Melissa herb is contraindicated for use in the following situations:

The herbal remedy is not prescribed for people under 18 years of age;

In addition, a decoction obtained from the herb of this plant should not be used in case of hypersensitivity to any components of this herbal medicine.

What are the uses and dosages of Melissa officinalis (herb)?

To prepare a decoction of lemon balm herb, it is recommended to take a tablespoon of crushed raw material, after which it is placed in a glass or enamel container, then a glass of boiling water is poured into the container. Then you need to cover the dish with a lid and place it on gas stove, where a water bath should be prepared.

The herbal medicine should simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes. After a quarter of an hour, the container is removed from the stove and its contents are cooled for 40-50 minutes, then the broth is filtered through a fine strainer, the remaining raw materials in the container are squeezed out, and the resulting volume is brought to 200 milliliters with boiled water.

It is worth noting that the herbal medicine enhances the effect of sleeping pills and other drugs that depress the central nervous system. Melissa officinalis herb can be used during the lactation period and pregnancy, but only on the recommendation of a doctor.

In addition, this herbal medicine can be used in filter bags, which is much more convenient, since you do not have to filter the liquid and squeeze out the settled crushed raw materials. To prepare the infusion, you can place one or two bags in a mug, after which they are poured hot water and insist. Then you can use the herbal remedy for its intended purpose.

What are the side effects of Melissa officinalis (herb)?

Sometimes the use of a herbal medicine, which we continue to talk about on this page www.site, can provoke the development of allergic reactions, which will mainly manifest themselves as dermatological symptoms, for example, swelling, redness and itching may appear on the patient’s skin. In this case, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe antihistamine therapy.

Overdose from Melissa officinalis (herb)

In case of an overdose of the herbal medicine, vomiting can be provoked; if after this the patient’s health worsens, then it is recommended to consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary help in the form of symptomatic therapy.

special instructions

In case of intolerance to a herbal remedy based on leaves, it is recommended to replace this medicine.

It is worth noting that with prolonged use of the decoction, especially in large dosages, a decrease in psychomotor reactions in humans may be observed; this point is important, also when working with mechanisms where increased concentration of attention is required.

How to replace the drug "Melissa officinalis (herb)", what analogues should I use?

Herbal medicine Melison, as well as Melissa tincture.

Conclusion

Be healthy!