Anyone who has ever rubbed and smelled a lemon balm leaf will surely remember the lemony scent. The essential oil in the lemon balm plant is responsible for the lemony scent - it consists of the components citronellal and citral, among others. However, the only function of lemon balm is not its wonderful scent, but the medicinal herb also has a lot of ingredients that serves as a natural remedy for any diseases. Firstly, it has a mild calming and anxiety-relieving effect - especially on nervous and anxious people. Thus, lemon balm can also help you fall asleep. Secondly, it can relax the muscles in the intestines and thus relieve flatulence and bloating. Third, experiments in the laboratory have shown that lemon balm fights herpes simplex viruses.
History & Folklore
For centuries, lemon balm has enjoyed great attention as a medicinal herb. Doctors in ancient times already knew about the calming, mood-lifting healing effect of lemon balm. Lemon balm was also popular with Hildegard von Bingen. The Arabs first brought the plant with its lemony smell to Spain before it came to the monastery gardens of Central Europe. Lemon balm is first mentioned by the Greek physician Dioscorides, who recommends it as a remedy for dog bites and scorpion stings. The origin of the name also goes back to the ancient Greeks: the word meli in Greek means nothing other than honey. The plant is readily used by bees. The Carmelite monks invented lemon balm spirit in 1611, an extract of the dried plant mixed with other medicinal plants. According to folk medicine, the extracted leaves are supposed to be diaphoretic for colds, heart tonic and menstrual stimulant.
Habitat & Cultivation
Lemon balm originates from the warm south and southeast of Europe. Meanwhile, the former wild plant is cultivated and can therefore also be found in Central and Western Europe to Western Asia and the Mediterranean region. In these areas, lemon balm is sometimes found growing wild, as it has relatively low demands on the site and spreads easily by underground root runners and self-seeding.
Uses
Traditional uses Lemon balm was traditionally used to lift the spirits. As Culpeper mentioned, some of its properties were spiritual in nature. This herb was used in spells to heal broken hearts and also to attract romantic love.
Modern relaxing tonic One property is the calming or sedative effect of lemon balm, which is why it can be helpful for sleep disorders and nervous restlessness. Known here especially the sleep-inducing properties. Furthermore, lemon balm can alleviate the effects as well as the intensity of chronic stress.
Stomach complaints Traditionally, lemon balm is considered a remedy for stomach problems and stress. It is said to calm and promote digestion, relieve flatulence and weaken bloating. In addition, lemon balm relieves cramps and relaxes muscles.
Parts used
Aerial parts as a calming remedy
Key Actions
Relaxant
Antispasmodic
Increases sweating
Carminative
Antiviral
Nerve tonic
Constituents
Volatile oil
Flavonoids
Triterpenes
Polyphenols
Tannins
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 113.
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