Packaging: 40g (or 500g & 1kg) containing the above-ground parts of the plant.
(Price includes VAT)
Other Names: Melissa, Lemon balm, Wild lemon balm, Citron balm
Properties:
● Reduces tension, stress, and depression.
● Causes dilation of peripheral blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
● Has a tonic effect on the heart and circulatory system.
● Relaxant, ideal for insomnia.
● Slows down strong heartbeats.
● Helps with tinnitus and ear pain (wash).
● Inhibits the action of the thyroid gland in cases of hyperthyroidism.
● Reduces fever.
● Alleviates headaches.
● Increases milk secretion in nursing mothers.
● Regulates the menstrual cycle.
● Recommended for bruises, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, ulcers of the skin, and spots (washes and infusions).
Origin: Greece, Imathia region (collected from the Pieria Mountains).
Storage: Store in a cool (5°C – 15°C) and dark place.
Preparation:
Infusion: 1 tablespoon of crushed lemon balm (or a small pinch of fresh) is steeped in 1 glass of boiling water in a covered container for 5-10 minutes, then strained before use.
Decoction: 1 tablespoon of crushed product is boiled for 1 minute with 1 glass of water, left for 30 minutes, and strained. Take ½ glass in the morning and evening before meals.
For washes, prepare the above tea more concentrated at a dosage of 50-60g in 1 liter of water.
Historical Information:
Lemon balm has been used therapeutically for over two millennia. Pliny in his "Natural History" and Dioscorides in "De Materia Medica" were among the first to mention its therapeutic use, primarily for heart and stomach protection. It was particularly valued by medieval Arab physicians, Hildegard von Bingen, and Paracelsus. Avicenna praised its action on the digestive tract. Jakob Theodor Tabernaemontanus wrote about the leaves of lemon balm: "they warm the stomach and enhance digestion... they drive away all sorrow and fear and bring pleasant dreams... against the weakness and frailty of the heart."
Scientifically Documented Applications:
The ESCOP recommends internal use of lemon balm preparations for tension, anxiety, and confusion, as well as for digestive disorders, e.g., mild stomach cramps. External use is recommended for treating cold sores.
The Commission E supports only the internal use of lemon balm for sleep disturbances of a nervous origin and functional intestinal discomfort. There are clinical studies only for its combination with valerian or other therapeutic herbs regarding sleep disorders.
Antiviral action against herpes and other viruses has been confirmed experimentally. This applies to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions as well. Experimental evidence has also shown lemon balm's effects on specific neurotransmitters.
