Lemon balm - life without stress

Lemon balm (Latin: Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. It is known for its aromatic leaves and healing properties, which have been used in traditional medicine for many years. Lemon balm is also called lemon grass, lemon balm or bee grass because of its attraction to bees with its fragrance.

The Mint is low vegetation between 30 and 90 centimetres tall. Its leaves are met, silvery-green and have a slight lemon scent. Its flowers are white or slightly yellow and gather in full clusters that attract bees and other pollinators.

The use of lemon balm for medicinal purposes began in ancient Egypt. In the Middle Ages, the herb became popular in Europe, where it was used to treat a variety of health conditions, including calming the nervous system, improving mood, and treating stomach upsets.

Mint is easy to grow and likes sunny locations with good draining soil. It can be propagated by seed, but is more commonly propagated by division of the root system of already established plants. It likes moderate watering and does not tolerate excessive moisture. It can be grown in gardens, pots or containers.

For medicinal purposes, mainly the leaves of lemon balm are used. They can be used fresh or dried. From them, teas, extracts, oils and other products are prepared. Lemon balm is used to reduce stress, improve sleep, relieve nervous disorders and reduce stomach irregularities.

Lemon balm is known for its numerous health benefits and has been used in traditional medicine for many years. Here are some of the main health benefits associated with the use of lemon balm:

• Soothing effectA: Lemon balm is known for its calming properties and can help with nervous tension, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Its compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, can help with relaxation and stress reduction.
• Improves sleepA: Consuming lemon balm can improve sleep quality and help with insomnia problems. Lemon balm tea is often used as a natural sleep aid.
• Antioxidant propertiesA: Lemon balm contains antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress in the body, thereby reducing the risk of cell damage.
• Improves DigestionA: Mint has a beneficial effect on the digestive system. It can help with stomach pain, gas, dyspepsia and other stomach irregularities. Because of its antispasmodic properties, lemon balm can be used to treat colic in children and bowel spasms in adults.
• Antimicrobial actionA: Some research suggests that lemon balm has antimicrobial properties and may be useful in fighting bacteria and viruses.
• Improves memory and cognitive functionsA: Research shows that lemon balm can improve cognitive function and help preserve memory.
• Improves The moodA: Consumption of lemon balm can positively affect mood and help with mild depression.

The composition of the herb lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) includes a variety of biologically active compounds that give the plant its medicinal properties and aroma. Here are the main constituents of lemon balm:

• Natural acids: Mint contains natural acids that account for about 0.1% to 0.3% of the total mass of the plant. The most important constituents of these oils are rosmarinic acid (citronellal), citric aldehyde (citral), geraniol, citronellol and linalool. These compounds impart the characteristic lemony aroma of the lemon balm.
• Flavonoids: Lemon balm contains various flavonoids, which are strong antioxidants. Some of the flavonoids found in lemon balm include quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, and rutin.
• Tanini: Lemon balm contains tannins, which are beneficial to health due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
• Polyphenols: They include caffeic, caffeic and rose acids, which also have antioxidant effects.
• Essential oils: Lemon balm contains some essential oils such as caprylic, lauric and palmitic acids.
• Vitamins and minerals: The herb contains various vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (for example, B1, B3, B6), vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.
• Other compounds: Lemon balm may also contain various phytochemicals that can complement its medicinal properties.

These ingredients give lemon balm the unique combination of flavor and health benefits that make it popular in both traditional medicine and cooking.

Lemon balm, known for its aroma and healing properties, can be used in a variety of recipes to make drinks and foods. In the following article, I will present several interesting recipes in which lemon balm is a key ingredient:

• Lemon balm tea:

Pour 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves. Let the tea brew for about 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink 2-3 times a day. Tea can be sweetened with honey or other sweetener as desired.

• Lemon balm syrup:

In a thickly bottomed pan, put about 100 g of dried lemon balm leaves and 500 ml of water. Heat over low heat and cook for about 20-30 minutes until the amount of liquid is reduced by half. Strain and add 300 g honey. Stir well until a syrupy consistency is obtained. Take 1-2 teaspoons a day. The syrup can be stored in a glass jar and refrigerated.

Although lemon balm has numerous health benefits, it is important to follow dosage guidelines and consult a health professional before using it for medicinal purposes, especially if you are taking other medications or suffer from chronic illnesses.

• Allergies and sensitivity to lemon balm: Some people may exhibit allergic reactions after using lemon balm. For initial use, it is advisable to test for sensitivity, for example by making a weak tea and drinking a small dose.
• Possible influence on certain drugs: Lemon balm can interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult a health professional, especially if you are taking other medications or are under treatment for certain conditions.
• Contraindications in pregnancy and lactation: Pregnancy and breastfeeding should avoid the use of lemon balm due to the lack of sufficient research on its safety during these periods.
• Individual contraindications: It is possible that motherwort may not be suitable for certain individuals. If you experience unusual reactions or problems after using it, discontinue use and consult a health professional.

Choose health and tranquility with tea from lemon balm from Bulgarian Tea Company.