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Scientific name: Melissa officinalis
Rank: Species
Higher classification: Melissa
Family: Lamiaceae
Common Name: Lemon balm
What is Melissa officinalis?
Melissa officinalis is a plant cultivated in some parts of Iran.
The leaves of lemon balm, Melissa officinalis L (Lamiaceae), are used in Iranian folk medicine for their digestive, carminative, antispasmodic, sedative, analgesic, tonic, and diuretic properties, as well as for functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb.
It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).
What does Melissa officinalis taste like?
By itself, as a fresh herb lemon balm tastes like a very subdued spearmint.
As in, it tastes like a flavorful herb, very vaguely minty, mostly sweet, and definitely with a citrus tone.
Lemon balm tea, or Melissa tea, is a popular natural remedy in Europe and other nations across the globe.
This tea boasts a mild, smooth flavor with hints of lemon and mint.
What are the culinary uses for Melissa officinalis ?
Lemon balm leaves are used fresh or dried to season and flavour foods such as salads, soups, sauces, and stuffings and as a flavouring in candies, liqueurs, wine, and fruit drinks.
It is common in herbal teas and has long been used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments and as a digestive aid and sleep aid.
The essential oil is popular in aromatherapy and is used as a scent in perfumery and cosmetics.
Lemon balm has a light lemon flavor, and can be used in just about any dish, from garnishing a plate, to being tossed into a salad.
Its subtle citrus aroma is perfect for seafood, and goes well with many spices, including chervil, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
What are the Health benefits of Melissa officinalis?
This lemon-scented herb (which comes from the Lamiaceae family) is native to Europe and has long been used as a culinary, medical, and cosmetic herb.
It’s widely considered to have calming properties, is prized for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, promote better sleep, and ease indigestion and bloating, according to Mount Sinai.
Health studies have shown that lemon balm can increase individuals' sense of well-being, happiness, and alertness.
Below are some findings from current research
1.
It can help relieve stress
2.
It can help reduce anxiety
3.
It may boost cognitive function
4.
It can help ease insomnia and other sleep disorders
5.
It may help treat cold sores
6.
It may help relieve indigestion
7.
It can help treat nausea
8.
It may help minimize menstrual cramps
9.
It may help ease headache pain
10.
It may help lessen toothache pain .