Melissa, commonly referred to as lemon balm or “Barambo” in folk traditions, has long been cherished for its powerful medicinal properties. This plant-based tincture is made entirely from natural ingredients – specifically, the leaves of the lemon balm plant and 70% wheat alcohol. The concentration ratio of the tincture is 1:10, meaning it is highly potent and offers excellent therapeutic results when used correctly.
A Remedy Proven by Time
This natural remedy has been used for many years, and its effectiveness has stood the test of time. Traditional use, supported by generations of experience, has demonstrated that Melissa tincture can be incredibly beneficial for various health concerns. Its rich combination of active compounds makes it a popular choice among herbal medicine practitioners.
Therapeutic Properties of Melissa
Thanks to its valuable and bioactive components, lemon balm possesses a wide range of healing properties. Phytotherapists and herbal medicine experts recommend the use of this plant in numerous situations. Here are some of the key areas where lemon balm can be helpful:
1. Cardiovascular Support
Melissa supports heart health by helping to manage conditions such as atherosclerosis, tachycardia, heart defects, and anemia. It can ease heart palpitations and reduce high blood pressure.
2. Nervous System Disorders
It has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it useful for treating conditions like nervous breakdowns, vegetative-vascular dystonia, meteorological sensitivity, insomnia, neurosis, depression, migraines, and even hysteria.
3. Respiratory Health
The herb can help relieve symptoms of shortness of breath and bronchial asthma due to its mild antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Endocrine System Regulation
Melissa is believed to assist in the balancing of endocrine functions, which can be especially useful in cases of hormonal imbalances or thyroid irregularities.
5. Relief from Colds and Respiratory Infections
Thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, lemon balm is commonly used to treat colds, flu, and other acute respiratory infections.
6. Digestive Health
This plant helps regulate the digestive system, relieving issues like constipation, bloating, gas, and intestinal cramps. It coats the stomach lining, encourages healing, improves appetite, and promotes a healthier gut environment.
7. Metabolic and Hormonal Disorders
Melissa is used to help with weight regulation and can assist individuals suffering from diabetes or hormonal disturbances by promoting balance and metabolic function.
8. Male and Female Reproductive Health
In women, lemon balm is often called “the women’s herb” because of its ability to support hormonal balance. It can reduce menstrual discomfort, stabilize the cycle, and even ease symptoms of pregnancy-related nausea (toxicosis).
In men, the herb’s calming effects help combat erectile dysfunction related to stress, fatigue, and nervous tension. Interestingly, Melissa contains phytoandrogens – plant-based analogs of male hormones – which may support male reproductive health and even protect sperm function from radiation damage.
Additionally, lemon balm is known to reduce sexual overexcitability in men without negatively impacting overall potency.
9. Cosmetic Uses
Melissa is commonly used in skin and hair care. It can improve the appearance of the skin, reduce acne, and eliminate dandruff. When added to shampoo or used in tinctures, it can help treat hair loss in men.
10. Antibacterial and Detoxifying Actions
Lemon balm tea induces sweating, making it helpful for detoxifying the body during fever or infection. It also has strong antibacterial properties, making it effective against various bacterial and fungal skin conditions like rashes, lichens, and other irritations.
Additional Benefits
- Sedative Effects: Calms the nervous system, helps fight stress and anxiety, improves sleep quality, and enhances mental clarity and concentration.
- Antispasmodic Action: Relieves muscle spasms, cramps, and tension in the digestive and respiratory systems.
- Diuretic Effect: Promotes the elimination of excess fluids from the body.
- Cardiovascular Support: Improves circulation, eases heart pain, and helps regulate blood pressure.
- Cleansing the Skin: Lemon balm can be used topically for skin irritations, fungal infections, and bacterial outbreaks.
- Sweat-Inducing Properties: Promotes sweating, which aids in fever reduction and toxin removal.
Interestingly, Melissa is considered a member of the mint family and shares many of the beneficial qualities of peppermint and spearmint.
How to Use
To take the tincture, dilute 20–40 drops in 30 ml of warm, boiled water and drink three times a day, preferably 30 minutes before meals.
Important Warnings and Precautions
- Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.
- Not suitable for individuals under 18 without prior consultation with a healthcare professional.
- If you suffer from any chronic medical condition or are taking prescribed medications, consult your doctor before use.
- Avoid use if you have individual intolerance or a known allergy to lemon balm or any of its components.
- Not recommended for individuals with low blood pressure as the herb may further lower it.
- Because it may slow down reaction time, it is best not to use lemon balm tincture when performing tasks that require high levels of focus or mental alertness.
