Characteristics of the plant
Melissa is a perennial herbaceous plant, from 30 to 120 cm in height. The rhizome is branchy, the stem is practically naked, tetrahedral, branched, covered with thin hairs. Melissa leaves are opposite, covered with short hairs, their shape can be from ovate to rounded-rhombic.
The flowering of this plant begins in June and lasts until August. In this period, flowers are formed at the ends of the stems, which are collected in false rings in several pieces. At the end of August - beginning of September, an egg-shaped fruit appears, shiny and quite large. How lemon balm looks like can be seen in the following photo.
. Influence on the body.
. Melissa lemon is used in folk medicine for the preparation of medicinal infusions, tinctures, decoctions. In cooking it plays the role of spicy seasoning and is considered a valuable ingredient that can improve the taste of various dishes. And what do we get from using this plant?
The use of lemon balm
If we talk about the medicinal properties of lemon balm, then there are quite a lot of them.
- Melissa perfectly regulates the work of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes appetite, relieves spasms and helps to gently eliminate constipation. With its help, it is possible to remove the inflammatory processes and to normalize the intestinal microflora.
- Infusion of this plant is considered a good diaphoretic, which helps to overcome colds.
- Melissa is a natural antidepressant that can cope with mood swings, insomnia and other mild disorders of the nervous system.
Note! The soothing properties of this plant are used even in pediatrics. Doctors sometimes recommend giving a decoction of melissa to hyperactive children, who are difficult to concentrate. This drink stimulates brain activity, improves memory and promotes concentration of attention.
- In diseases of the cardiovascular system, folk doctors are also recommended to seek help from this plant. With complex therapy and competently calculated dosage, Melissa will reduce heart pain, relieve dyspnoea and normalize blood pressure.
Melissa is useful in anemia - External application of this herb justifies itself with gum disease - in this case, rinses the mouth, as well as inflammation of the joints, gout, skin diseases and minor skin lesions - in such cases compresses are applied to the affected areas.
- Melissa is very useful for women. It helps to normalize the menstrual cycle, eliminates pain syndrome with menstruation and calms.
In addition, the preparations of this plant can improve the general condition of asthma. They are prescribed in the treatment of dysfunction of the genital organs, as well as to improve metabolic processes in the body.
Possible harm
Having a mass of medicinal properties, lemon balm has contraindications, which include:
- arterial hypotension - decreased muscle and vascular tone, which is caused by the sedative qualities of the plant;
Important! When using lemon balm medications in people with low blood pressure, the following side effects may occur: dizziness, general weakness, sometimes the condition can worsen until unconscious.
- is recommended not to be used for people whose work requires a good reaction, concentration of attention and motor activity, for example, driving a car, working with complex mechanisms, etc.
Overdose and abuse of lemon balm can result in the following side effects from the body:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- muscle weakness;
- fatigue;
- drowsiness;
- dizziness;
- convulsions;
- diarrhea;
- heartburn;
- decreased concentration of attention;
- lethargy;
- itchy skin.
Take funds based on this plant only after consulting with your doctor - in this case you can avoid trouble and bring your body only benefit.