Today we have a large number of drugs that allow us to combat various diseases and ailments.

These are products made and synthesised by man, but their properties and the active ingredients on which they are based often originate from or are based on the properties of different elements present in nature, such as animals and plants.

In this sense and from the most remote antiquity we can emphasize the use of different types of plants or vegetables, due to the medicinal and positive properties for our health that many of them have. But this is not something that belongs to the past or that only serves as inspiration.

In fact, some plant species have such beneficial effects and/or are so nutritious that they are still commonly consumed today. Examples are lime blossom, valerian, lavender… or lemon balm . The latter may not be as well known as the others mentioned, but it is nevertheless a highly appreciated product due to its interesting properties. And it is about it that we are going to talk throughout this article.

What is lemon balm?

We know popularly as Lemon balm a herbaceous plant or herb, with scientific name Melissa officinalis , which is strongly valued for its medicinal properties , especially in terms of relieving digestive problems and/or causing relaxation and relief of anxiety and nervousness.

Also called melissa, this herbaceous plant comes from the lands bathed by the Mediterranean and can reach a height of one meter. It is a robust and perennial vegetable that flowers during the summer and can be easily identified due to its lemon smell (something that has caused other names by which it is usually known to be lemongrass or lemon leaf).

Lemon balm can be used in multiple ways . It can be eaten, dried or even infused with it, something generally linked to a more medicinal use, although it is also used to produce oils associated with cosmetic uses, to perfume or aromatize or to create anti-mosquito products or toothpaste.

It is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs, especially in Latin America.

Beneficial properties of this plant

Lemon balm has a number of beneficial properties for health and for the treatment of certain disorders, which come from its chemical composition (it is rich in eugenol, caryophyllene or germacrene as well as citral or citronella. Some of its most well-known properties and uses are listed below.

1. Calming and sedative

One of the most relevant properties of Lemon Balm is its sedative and relaxing effect, helping to lower altered or agitated moods, such as depression or anxiety. Also helps to promote sleep, something useful in cases of insomnia .

2. Analgesic

Lemon balm can also have an interesting anesthetic effect, reducing and blocking the signs of discomfort that would normally travel quickly through our nervous system.

It is often used to reduce the discomfort associated with headache or migraine, digestive problems or even muscle pain .

3. Hypotensive

Another useful property of Lemon Balm is its ability to lower blood pressure levels, something that can be useful in cases of anxiety and in subjects with hypertension.

4. Relieves gastrointestinal problems

Lemon balm is often used to treat the discomfort of intestinal problems, since it allows to reduce gas levels and prevent situations such as colic . It also favours the protection of the liver and the secretion of bile (favouring it).

5. Antitussive

It has been observed that taking lemon balm, especially when it is made in infusions, contributes to calming, relieving and reducing the levels of coughing and throat irritation .

Precautions

Lemon balm is a natural product with many positive properties, but despite this, it must be taken into account that in some people it can have side effects or pose a certain risk to the well-being of those who use it.

First of all it is necessary to be especially careful in cases of pregnancy , since in high quantities it can lead to miscarriages. It is also contraindicated in patients with thyroid problems (especially hypothyroidism). Excessive consumption can generate pain, allergies and nausea and vomiting. It should also be noted that essential oil can be dangerous if ingested.

Bibliographic references:

  • Sánchez Govín, E., Fernández, M.L., Figueredo, D.C., Hechevarría, I. and Pino, J. (2010). Pharmacological characterization of Melissa officinallis L. Rev Cubana Plant Med v.15 n.4 Ciudad de la Habana.
  • Pardo-Aldave K, Díaz-Pizán ME, Villegas-Vilchez LF, Bernabé-Ortiz E. (2009). Effect of ethanolic extract of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) on the modification of anxious child’s behavior in the dental office. Rev Heredian Stomatol. 2009; 19(2): 91 – 95.