Lemon Balm or commonly called Melissa, is a kind of herb that is mostly cultivated in Southern Europe and in the Mediterranean.

 

The name Melissa comes from it’s scientific name in botany. The scientific name of lemon balm is Melissa Officinalis. It is called lemon balm since it smells like lemon.

 

A member of the mint family, is considered a "calming" herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating as well as colic). Even before the Middle Ages, lemon balm was steeped in wine to lift the spirits, help heal wounds, and treat venomous insect bites and stings. Today, lemon balm is often combined with other calming, soothing herbs, such as valerian, chamomile, and hops, to help promote relaxation. It is also used in creams to treat cold sores (oral herpes).

 

Lemon balm holds some sedative properties found specifically in some of the chemicals it contains in volatile oils, including citronellal and citrals A and B. In case studies with humans and animals alike, lemon balm has demonstrated calming effects when taken orally. When consumption doses are increased, lemon balm may induce sleep. One case study indicated further benefits of lemon balm may include improved memory and lengthened attention span among patients who suffer from Alzheimer's disease.

 

This may be a consequence of the presence of antioxidants in lemon balm, which are suspected to offer protection for the body's cells from oxidation, a chemical process causing damage to the cells. Yet another case study showed the use of lemon balm in aromatherapy, applying or inhaling fragrances to affect the mood, was effective in calming overexcited individuals specifically those suffering from dementia (an progressive deficiency in thought processes caused by brain damage). In the past, lemon balm has been useful for relieving menstrual cramps, urinary spasms, and gastrointestinal complications or pain.

 

The volatile oils in lemon balm are made up of chemicals that help the muscles relax, particularly the muscles of the bladder, stomach, and uterus, consequently providing relief of cramps, gas, and nausea. Unfortunately, research results are still somewhat inconclusive, and human case studies are lacking to provide concrete proof of its purported uses.

 

Lemon balm may also help to block some of the secretion of the thyroid gland and its ability to release hormones in the body. Consequently, lemon balm has been implemented for use in connection with Grave's disease, which is an autoimmune condition where individuals suffer from excess thyroid hormone due to an overactive thyroid

 

Lemon balm can be cultivated in wide range of climate conditions. However,it is mostly cultivated in mild temperature zones. It also needs winter mulch and sandy soil to survive. Lemon balm leaves are used in herbal medicine for various diseases and conditions. Not only the leaves but also the stems and flowers of lemon balm are used in herbal medicine