Products
Melissa is available as an open product or in the form of tea bags in pharmacies and drugstores. Medicines containing lemon balm, extracts and the essential oil are on the market in the form of dragées, drops and capsules, among others, usually in combination with other medicinal plants.
Stem plant
Melissa L. of the labiates family is a herbaceous plant with an aromatic smell of lemons, native to Europe.
Medicinal drug
Melissa leaves (Melissae folium) are used as a medicinal herb. It is the dried leaves of L. The pharmacopoeia requires a minimum content of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. Extracts (Melissae extractum), powder (Melissae pulvis), lemon balm spirit (Melissae spiritus) and other preparations are made from the leaves. Melissa herb (Melissae herba) is used less frequently.
Ingredients
The constituents include essential oil (Melissae aetheroleum), labiate tannins (rosmarinic acid), flavonoids, bitter compounds, and triterpenic acids.
Effects
Melissa leaves and their preparations are believed to have sedative, relaxing, digestive, antiflatulent, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.
Indications for use
- To calm nervousness, irritability and sleep disorders.
- Digestive complaints
- Cold sores (local, as a cream)
- As a stimulant and spice
Dosage
The tea is prepared as an infusion with hot water during 5-10 minutes and drunk several times a day.
Contraindications
The medicines are contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity. Full precautions can be found in the drug leaflet.
Adverse effects
There are no known adverse effects.
