7 Best Benefits Of Melissa Officinalis
Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family.
The bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid, apigenin, and linalool, found in Melissa officinalis contribute to its health benefits.
This plant is known to reduce inflammation, calm anxiety, and relieve stress due to its soothing properties, making it a natural remedy for promoting relaxation and improving overall well-being.
The calming effects of Melissa officinalis are attributed to its ability to interact with the brain's neurotransmitters, promoting a sense of serenity and tranquility.
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According to Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, Melissa officinalis has been reported to have various health beneficial effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumour, antiviral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and flatulence inhibiting effects, attributed to bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, alcohols, rosmarinic acid, and phenolic antioxidants.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Melissa officinalis.
Table of Contents
1. Reduces inflammation
Melissa officinalis reduces inflammation, which is the body's natural response to injury or damage, characterized by the increased blood flow to the affected area, heat, redness, swelling, pain, and impaired function.
This benefit is important because chronic inflammation is associated with various diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, and can lead to tissue damage and even organ failure.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Melissa officinalis are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Melissa officinalis, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal teas, tinctures, or infused oils, which can be taken internally to reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Topical oil
- Salve
- Cream
The following table displays the major constituents of Melissa officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Rosmarinic acid | Arthritis, gout, tendinitis |
| Luteolin | Fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis |
| Epigenin | Inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, eczema |
2. Calms anxiety
Melissa officinalis calms anxiety by exerting a calming effect on the nervous system, which is characterized by a reduction in feelings of worry, nervousness, and apprehension.
This benefit is particularly important in today's fast-paced world, where individuals may experience anxiety due to work-related stress, relationship issues, or other life challenges, ultimately affecting their overall well-being and daily functioning.
The plant's ability to calm anxiety is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, triterpenoids, and volatile oils, which interact with the body's neurotransmitters and hormones to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
To harness the anxiolytic properties of Melissa officinalis, one can use herbal preparations such as tea, tinctures, or supplements, or even inhale the fragrance of lemon balm essential oil, which is extracted from the plant's leaves.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Essential oil
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Melissa officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Calms anxiety.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Rosmarinic acid | Anxiety disorder, insomnia, stress-induced headaches |
| Linalool | Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, anxiety-related tremors |
| Linalyl acetate | Social anxiety, anxiety-induced nausea, irritability |
| Geranial | Anxiety attacks, anxiety-induced palpitations, restlessness |
| Nepetalactone | Anxiety-related muscle tension, anxiety-induced digestive issues, anxiety-related mood swings |
3. Relieves stress
Melissa officinalis relieves stress, which is the ability to calm the mind and body, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation.
This benefit is important as chronic stress can lead to a range of health issues, such as insomnia, digestive problems, and weakened immune systems, making it difficult to perform daily tasks and maintain overall well-being.
The plant's stress-relieving properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and apigenin, which have been shown to possess anti-anxiety and sedative effects.
To utilize Melissa officinalis for stress relief, herbal preparations such as tea, tinctures, and essential oils can be used, with recommended dosages and preparation methods varying depending on the specific product and individual needs.
Top Preparations:
- Tea
- Essential oil
- Tincture
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Melissa officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves stress.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Rosmarinic acid | Anxiety, insomnia, irritability |
| Luteolin | Mood swings, stress-related depression, anxiety disorders |
| Apigenin | Sleep disorders, restlessness, nervousness |
4. Reduces pain and inflammation
Melissa officinalis reduces pain and inflammation by exhibiting analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, referring to its ability to alleviate painful sensations and reduce redness and swelling in affected areas.
This benefit is important, as chronic pain and inflammation can significantly impact quality of life, leading to discomfort, limited mobility, and decreased productivity, as seen in conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
The plant's analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to the presence of bioactive constituents like rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and luteolin, which have been shown to modulate pain pathways and suppress inflammatory responses.
To utilize Melissa officinalis for pain and inflammation relief, one can prepare a tea by steeping the leaves in hot water, or take a standardized extract or tincture of the plant in a recommended dosage.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infused oil
- Topical salve
- Essential oil
- Herbal tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Melissa officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces pain and inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Rosmarinic acid | Arthritis, muscle sprain, gout |
| Apigenin | Migraines, headaches, menstrual cramps |
| Luteolin | Fibromyalgia, bursitis, tendinitis |
5. Antioxidizes free radicals
Melissa officinalis antioxidizes free radicals by neutralizing unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and cellular damage in the body.
This benefit is crucial because it helps protect against chronic diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular disease, which are often linked to excessive free radical production.
The plant's antioxidizing properties can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including rosmarinic acid, melitric acid, and essential oils, which work together to scavenge free radicals and promote cellular health.
To harness the antioxidizing benefits of Melissa officinalis, it's best to consume the plant in the form of herbal teas, infusions, or tinctures, which allow for easy absorption of its active compounds into the bloodstream.
Top Preparations:
- Tea
- Infusion
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Melissa officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Antioxidizes free radicals.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Rosmarinic acid | Cancer prevention, neurodegenerative diseases, alzheimer's disease |
| Apigenin | Inflammation, oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease |
| Luteolin | Antioxidant defense, inflammation, neuroprotection |
6. Improves sleep quality
Melissa officinalis improves sleep quality, which refers to the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night, resulting in restful and rejuvenating sleep.
This benefit is crucial as it affects not only physical health, but also mental well-being and daily productivity, as chronic sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, decreased concentration, and increased risk of chronic diseases.
The plant's ability to improve sleep quality is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including rosmarinic acid, melissic acid, and linalool, which have been shown to have sedative and calming effects.
To harness the sleep-promoting properties of Melissa officinalis, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as tea, tinctures, or capsules, ideally 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime, in moderation.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infused oil
- Sleep supplement
- Calming extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Melissa officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves sleep quality.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Linalool | Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea |
| Linalyl acetate | Anxiety-related insomnia, migraines, tension headaches |
| Rosmarinic acid | Aging-related sleep disruptions, gastrointestinal issues, menopausal hot flashes |
7. Boosts immune system
Melissa officinalis boosts immune system by increasing the body's resistance to infections and diseases, which involves the activation of immune cells and the production of cytokines that fight pathogens.
This benefit is important as a strong immune system can prevent illnesses such as the common cold and flu, and even reduce the severity and duration of chronic conditions like HIV/AIDS and cancer.
The immune-boosting properties of Melissa officinalis are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids like hesperidin and diosmin, and phenolic acids like rosmarinic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that support immune function.
To harness the immune-boosting benefits of Melissa officinalis, it is best used in herbal preparations such as tea, tinctures, or capsules, which can be consumed regularly to support overall health and well-being.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infused oil
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Melissa officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Boosts immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Rosmarinic acid | Sore throat, pneumonia, influenza |
| Luteolin | Fever, cough, tonsillitis |
| Apigenin | Malaria, diarrhea, urinary tract infections |
| Oleanolic acid | Gastroenteritis, herpes simplex, bronchitis |
| Carnosic acid | Cervical lymphadenitis, laryngitis, scarlet fever |