Melissa (melissa officinalis)
Melissa, also known as Lemon Balm, is an upright perennial herb, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint.
During summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear. Mythology and History Melissa Officinalis was first written about in the first century by Greek physician and pharmacologist Pedanius Dioscorides. He believed that depression or melancholia could be cured by soaking the leaves in wine and consuming the resulting concoction.
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The Greeks used Lemon Balm to treat insomnia, to calm nerves and alleviate anxiety. Its essential oils were used in much the same manner as spearmint oil. They have also been used to treat everything from scorpion bites to heart ailments.
Health Benefits & Modern Medicinal uses
Recent studies have shown that the plant produces an abundant amount of terpenes, which have been shown to produce a soothing and calming effect. It has also been used to as a topical anaesthetic and antibiotic, because the oils produce ozone, which prevents bacteria from growing on an open wound and helps heal minor flesh wounds.
Other studies suggest that topical ointments containing lemon balm may help heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, offering significant improvement in redness and swelling after only 2 days.
Melissa is relaxing, helps overcome depression and heart palpitations, calms and reduces tension headaches, assists with over-active thyroid, reduces fevers, helps treat aches and pains, grief, tension, anxiety and helps in peaceful sleep.
Essential Oil of Melissa, is an effective mood lifter and anti depressant. It has been found to drive away sadness and bring joy and hope. This oil is also found effective in treatment of herpes, sores, ulcers, fungal infections, fatigue etc. It also boosts memory.
Often referred to as 'lemon balm', Melissa’s leaves have a delightful, lemony scent, used in natural skin care products for its soothing and tonic properties.
Melissa is being recommended to relieve allergic skin conditions and irritations and is suitable for all skin types.
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