Melissa – Not Just for Reassurance

Melissa, which has been utilized in herbal medicine for centuries, is also recognized as a medicinal herb, a mattress, a beehive, or a lemon grass, is a perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 70 cm, emitting a pleasant lemon scent. The most valuable components are found in clear, serrated leaves, resembling the leaves of black elder. Melissa blooms from June to September, and its flowers are white and small. The plant is melliferous. Its name derives from the Latin word mel, meaning „honey“, „sweetness“, or „pleasure“. The English names rojownik and pszczelnik originate from the tradition of smearing the interior of new beehives with this herb, so that the bees will eagerly nest in them. Melissa contains a range of active substances: essential oils, Vitamin C, carotenoids, acids, mucilage, flavonoids, tannins, and mineral salts. It does not occur wildly in Poland, but it is cultivated on plantations, in gardens and plots, as well as in pots on balconies or windowsills. This plant prefers sunny and wind-protected locations.

Melissa officinalis, also referred to as lemon balm or common balm, belongs to the mint family. Its medicinal properties have been exploited since ancient times. Melissa is a source of numerous active constituents, including terpenes, flavonoids, phenols, and essential oils. In traditional folk medicine, melissa was employed in the treatment of various ailments such as headaches, abdominal discomfort, insomnia, and hypertension.

Melissa is best known in the form of dried herbs for brewing, but it can also be grown independently in a pot. Fresh leaves are best dried in shaded, well-ventilated rooms (not in the sun), then stored in tightly sealed containers. In pharmacies, you can buy espresso teas or dried herbs. Infusion is prepared by pouring 1 teaspoon of dried herbs with a glass of boiling water. The tea is best brewed under cover for about 15 minutes. It is usually recommended to consume a maximum of 3-4 glasses of infusion daily. However, there is the most essential oil responsible for the health-promoting properties of melissa in fresh leaves. Therefore, it is worth preparing an infusion with melissa picked straight from the pot. Such a drink will have a refreshing, citrus flavor. The leaves will also work well in the kitchen – they are an interesting addition to various dishes and desserts or cold drinks. Fresh leaves will successfully replace lemon grass. Melissa oil, due to its relaxing effect, is used in aromatherapy. It can also be used for a relaxing massage or bath. Extracts of this plant are used in cosmetics, such as shampoos and hair conditioners or face creams with anti-acne and anti-wrinkle effects. Melisa can be safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is a good method to calm down during this special period. However, it should not be combined with sedative medications and other herbs with similar properties, as it may enhance their effects. In addition, contraindications to its use are liver cirrhosis, gastric ulcers, and allergy to the active components of the plant. Due to its sleep-inducing effects, melisa should be used with caution while driving or working at heights.