A bit of history
Melissa’s homeland is the Eastern Mediterranean. Its healing properties were skillfully used by the ancient Arabs, Greeks and Romans. In the Middle Ages – thanks to monastery gardens and insightful monks who took advantage of the healing properties of this plant – Melissa began to be cultivated in Europe. And, of course, in Ukraine.
In the Middle Ages, lemon balm was one of the most revered plants and was even included in the so-called “elixir of youth”. Nobles willingly carried sprigs of lemon balm with them, because they were sure that the “mistress of the brain” could inspire better than all 9 muses, and, in addition, it calms, restores strength and makes even the most inveterate ignoramus polite and courteous.
Medicinal effects of lemon balm
The therapeutic effect of this plant is due to the presence of essential oil in it. Melissa helps with depression and relieves nervous tension, which is especially important in our turbulent times. Relieving anxiety is the main purpose of the plant. Melissa as if “removes” anxiety from the brain, and a person begins to feel safe.
It is known that the “brain mistress” has a sedative, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antibacterial and antispasmodic effect, dilates peripheral vessels and normalizes nervous system disorders. Finally, with increased heart rate, lemon balm slows down the pulse, reduces blood pressure and dilates blood vessels. At the same time, the force of contraction of the heart muscle increases, and the heartbeat slows down – therefore, the heart requires less oxygen. Tinnitus, headache, dizziness and spasms are eliminated, the respiratory rate is normalized, an anti-sclerotic effect is manifested, which in general can be called a rejuvenating effect. Such is the “elixir of youth” …
Melissa affects the stomach and bile ducts in much the same way as mint, i.e. it has an antispasmodic effect and a choleretic effect. However, when using lemon balm essential oil, the healing effect of this plant is enhanced. In this case, it is better to dissolve the oil in milk.
Medicinal forms of lemon balm
First of all, an infusion of its leaves and shoots, which is used for depression, nervous exhaustion, indigestion and nausea, as well as in the early stages of colds and flu. Then there are compresses from the infusion used for gout, ointment with essential oil or infusion of melissa for bites, and finally an oil extract from the fresh plant or its essential oil, a great remedy for depression.
Melissa in aromatherapy
The importance of the “mistress of the brain” in aromatherapy is undeniable. The aroma of melissa has a sedative effect, it strengthens mental and mental strength and really inspires to great deeds. The subtle, lemon-honey-mint odor of this plant is actively used in climatotherapy (in sanatorium treatment). The patient gets a feeling of comfort and security, the state of consciousness changes, and diseases are better cured. In short, inhale the aroma of molasses, gentlemen, and life will appear before you in a rainbow light! And, most importantly, it will always seem sweet…..
Sweet dreams
A pillow stuffed with dried lemon balm is placed under a child’s head for good sleep and pleasant dreams. Parents, and the child himself, readily believe that lemon balm inspires fairy-tale dreams – no worse than Ole Lukøye with his magic umbrella. And this is really so…
It has been noted that dried lemon balm retains its healing properties for about 3 months. The main thing is to have time to sleep on pillows stuffed with “Mistress Brain” during this time. Sweet dreams are guaranteed…
