Lemon balm has calming effects on the body – on the one hand on the central nervous system, but also on the gastrointestinal tract. In combination with valerian or alone, lemon balm is therefore taken for restlessness, nervousness, mild insomnia and nervous-induced difficulty falling asleep.
Melissa for the gastrointestinal tract
In adults as well as children, the plant is also used to treat functional gastrointestinal complaints such as flatulence, cramps and nausea, as well as loss of appetite.
Use against bacteria, fungi and viruses
Dry extracts of lemon balm leaves also show activity against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Applied externally as an ointment or cream, the leaves are also able to relieve the discomfort of a herpes infection, for example.
Traditionally, the leaves are used to strengthen the general condition during nervous stress and to support cardiovascular function.
Melissa in folk medicine
Folk medicine has been using lemon balm since the 15th century as a sedative, digestive, anti-flatulent and antispasmodic for various digestive ailments.
The trivial name “motherwort” is based on the fact that in the Middle Ages the plant was also widely used in gynecology, for example, for abdominal complaints. In modern folk medicine, the plant is also used as a diaphoretic and tonic for colds, poor circulation, nervous palpitations, migraines, melancholy and hysteria.
Use in aromatherapy
In aromatherapy, people mainly use the calming effect of lemon balm oil for restlessness and insomnia. Furthermore, lemon balm is also used to flavor drinks and desserts.
Application in homeopathy
In homeopathy, fresh lemon balm leaves are taken for menstrual disorders.
Ingredients of lemon balm
Melissa leaves contain at least 0.05% essential oil or specific varieties even up to 0.8%. The main components of the oil are the so-called citral, a 4:3 mixture of geranial and neral, and citronellal. Citral and citronellal are responsible for the intense smell of lemon.
Furthermore, tannins of the rosmarinic acid type, triterpenic acids, flavonoids and phenylcarboxylic acids are present in the drug. Aqueous extracts from the leaves contain the highest content of rosmarinic acid among all labiates.
Lemon balm: For what indication?
Medicinally, lemon balm is used in the following cases:
- Light sleep disturbances
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Herpes
