Melissa/ Lemon Balm

Description.Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm was dedicated to the goddess Diana, and used medicinally by the Greeks some 2,000 years ago. It is a herb that has traditionally been used for a variety of cognitive purposes, most of which are centered around improving cognition and reducing stress and anxiety. It is said to calm the nerves and to relax the body.As a medicinal plant, lemon balm has traditionally been employed against bronchial inflammation, earache, fever, flatulence, headaches, high blood pressure, influenza, mood disorders, palpitations, toothache and vomiting. A tea made from Lemon balm leaves is said to soothe menstrual cramps and helps relieve PMS. Lemon balm is widely used to treat anxiety and insomnia in Europe. It reduces anxiety and stress and eases sleep disorders. Recently it produced an unexpected result in a research study: it greatly increased the ability to concentrate and perform word and picture tasks. In a study of lemon balm at Northumbria University in England students were tested for weeks while using either Lemon balm or a placebo. The students did significantly better on the tests after taking Lemon balm and continued to post improved scores for up to six hours after taking the herb. The students taking Lemon balm were noted to be calmer and less stressed during the tests. (From Prevention Magazine Sept. 2004). The herb is used for nervous agitation, sleeping problems, gastrointestinal complaints, menstrual cramps and urinary spasms.

Flavour / Look.

A very pleasant delicious taste.
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Botanical name.

Melissa officinalis.

Links.

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-lemon-balm.html

http://naturehacks.com/healing-properties-of-lemon-verbena/

https://examine.com/supplements/melissa-officinalis/