Wild Lemon Balm Dried Leaves 50gr

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), also known as balm, common balm or balm mint, is a perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, the mint family. This shrubby plant is native to south-central Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean region and Central Asia.

Its height ranges from 70 to 150 centimeters. The leaves have a mild lemon scent, related to mint. Its leaves are ovate and toothed. During summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear. It should not be confused with bee balm (which is a genus called Monarda). The white flowers attract bees, hence the genus name "Melissa". Its flavor comes from citronellal (24%), geranial (16%), linalyl acetate (12%) and caryophyllene (12%).

Lemon balm is used for digestive problems such as stomach upset, bloating, intestinal gas, vomiting and colic pain, including menstrual cramps, headache and toothache, and for mental complaints such as hysteria and melancholy.

Many people believe lemon balm has calming effects, so they take it for anxiety, sleep problems and restlessness. Lemon balm is also used for Alzheimer's disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an autoimmune thyroid condition (Graves' disease), swollen airways, rapid heartbeat due to nervousness, high blood pressure, wounds, tumors and insect bites.

Lemon balm is inhaled as aromatherapy for Alzheimer's disease.

Some people apply lemon balm to their skin to treat sores (herpes labialis).

In food and drinks, lemon balm extract and oil are used as flavoring agents.