Lemon balm

Lemon balmor simply lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has long enjoyed great popularity 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 – whether in cases of inner restlessness, irritability, or nervous gastrointestinal complaints.

What exactly is lemon balm?

When we hear of balm—as in balm spirit or balm tea, for example—we usually automatically think of lemon balm. It is a plant species from the larger genus Melissaaceae, which in turn belongs to the mint family. The herbaceous, perennial plant is cultivatedworldwide in warm and temperate regionsIt grows naturally, easily becoming wild. Its preferred habitats are humus-rich clay or sandy soils in warm and dry areas. Lemon balm's natural habitat extends from Asia Minor to southwest Siberia; 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 distinguishing feature is itscharacteristic lemon scent.

Use of lemon balm?

In addition to their use as a culinary spice, liqueur ingredient, and bee pasture, lemon balm leaves are also very popular as a medicinal herb. Traditionally, preparations containing lemon balm are usedto calm and relax and to support stomach and intestinal functionFor example, lemon balm can be found in teas or lemon balm spirit, but it has also been used as a component of dietary supplements that peoplefor stress, tension and inner restlessnessLemon balm products can also be used as bath additives, whether as relaxing or calming baths or simply as a feel-good bath. Furthermore, lemon balm is considered to have antiviral properties.applied externally as an alternative to synthetic antivirals for cold soresHere, too, the tannin-like rosmarinic acid contained in lemon balm plays a prominent role.

What exactly is rosmarinic acid?

Rosmarinic acid, or with the scientific name phenylacrylic acid, is found in many plants and is considered a secondary plant substance. Lamiaceae plants, such as lemon balm, have very high concentrations. Rosmarinic acid is consideredanti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and neuroprotectiveThe antioxidant rosmarinic acid is naturally found as an ingredient in many lemon balm preparations, which are available as tablets, capsules, or powder.is 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 consists 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.