Melissa officinalis: medicinal properties and side effects of the plant. Melissa officinalis

Melissa contains essential oils, vitamins A, B and C, organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, trace elements. The highest concentration of medicinal components is concentrated in the leaves of the plant.

Tincture of lemon balm leaves has a beneficial effect on the human body:

What are tinctures used for?

• neurological disorders, including neuroses;
• insomnia;
• migraine;
• asthma;
• heart diseases vascular system;
• lack of appetite;
• indigestion;
• decreased immunity;
• cold;
• premenopausal period;
• erotism;
• rheumatism, joint diseases;
• fungal infections of the skin and nails;
• rash, acne.

Contraindications and side effects

Melissa tinctures have a number of contraindications. You should not take funds in such cases:

• individual intolerance to the components of the drink;
• epilepsy;
• fever of unknown origin;
• hypotension;
• renal failure;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• children up to 12 years of age.

Water infusions from lemon balm are prohibited for children under 3 years of age.. Long-term use of such drugs is unacceptable for people under 7 years of age.

Treatment with lemon balm tincture can provoke the development of bradycardia. For diseases of the heart and blood vessels folk remedies can be consumed only after consultation with a doctor and under his supervision.

Melissa-based products can cause drowsiness, decreased concentration, and slowed reactions. It is not recommended to take them before driving or before doing serious work.

It should be noted that in men, preparations with lemon balm can cause decreased sexual function.

The best varieties for making a drink

There are many varieties of lemon balm, which differ external characteristics and advantageous beneficial properties. The following varieties are used to prepare tinctures:

• Pearl;
• Isidora;
• Quadrille;
• Lemon aroma;
• Tsaritsynskaya;
• Semko;
• Pure gold;
• Golden;
• Dozya.

How to prepare an infusion with alcohol: step-by-step instructions

To prepare the tincture, it is better to take fresh lemon balm leaves, but you can also use dry ones.

The raw materials are washed and dried a little. It is necessary to thoroughly grind the leaves in a blender or finely chop with a sharp knife.

Vodka recipe

Ingredients:

• chopped fresh lemon balm - 50 grams;
• vodka – 100 grams for high concentration, 200 grams for low concentration.

Preparation:

1. Wash fresh lemon balm leaves, dry and chop.
2. Pour into a glass container.
3. Pour vodka.
4. Close the container with a lid.
5. Infuse the drink in a cool, dark place for 7 days. Shake occasionally.
6. Strain.
7. Store in a tightly closed container for no longer than a year.

To reduce the strength of the tincture, you can add 100 grams of cold, clean water and leave for two weeks.

Application:

1. Neuroses, sleep disorders - drink 15 drops once a day before bedtime or 5 drops 3 times a day before meals.
2. For rinsing oral cavity– dilute a teaspoon of tincture in a glass of warm water.
3. For rubbing and compresses, first dilute with water.

On alcohol

Ingredients:

• crushed lemon balm leaves – 50-60 grams;
• alcohol 40° – 150 ml;
• water – 100-150 ml.

Preparation:

1. Wash fresh lemon balm leaves and dry in the oven.
2. Grind.
3. Place in a glass jar.
4. Add water and alcohol.
5. Cover the container with a lid.
6. Send to a dark, cool place for 2-3 weeks.
7. Filter the infusion.

Application: Colds, low immunity, cardiac disorders, neuroses, premenopausal period - drink 20-30 drops 3 times a day. Dilute a single serving in half a glass of water.

On moonshine

Ingredients:

• chopped fresh lemon balm leaves – 40-50 grams;
• moonshine – 200-250 ml.

Preparation:

1. Finely chop the washed and dried leaves with a knife.
2. Put it in a jar.
3. Pour in moonshine.
4. Store in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Shake the jar every day.
5. Strain the solution.
6. Store the tincture in a tightly closed dark glass container.

Application:

1. Take 15 drops before each meal.
2. For compresses, dilute the product with water.

With honey and mint

Ingredients:

• thyme – 1 teaspoon;
• natural honey – 1 teaspoon;
• dry lemon balm leaves - 0.5 teaspoon;
• mint – 0.5 teaspoon;
• wormwood flowers - a pinch;
• vodka or moonshine – 500 ml

Preparation:

1. Mix dry herbs and honey in a jar.
2. Add vodka or moonshine.
3. Leave for 2-3 weeks.
4. Filter thoroughly.
5. Pour into a storage container.

Application: Neuroses, flu, ARVI - drink 50 ml per day.

Recipe and use of boiling water infusion

Ingredients:

• dry lemon balm leaves - 4 tablespoons;
• water – 500 ml.

Preparation:

1. Pour the grass hot water.
2. Leave covered for 30-50 minutes.
3. After cooling, strain through a piece of gauze.

Application:

1. Migraine – drink a glass of infusion gradually during an attack.
2. Anemia, dizziness, nervous disorders - take 100 ml twice a day.
3. Gastritis, stomach ulcers - take 100 ml 3 times a day before meals.

Course – 2-4 weeks. For a compress, soak a piece of cotton cloth in the infusion and apply to the affected area.

To enhance the soothing effect, you can add mint leaves, chamomile, and thyme. Rose hips, currant and raspberry leaves enrich the taste of the infusion and increase the content of vitamins in it.

Melissa tincture has a calming effect and improves immunity. The drink can be easily prepared at home. It is important to study the list of contraindications and follow the recommended dosage.

Melissae folium is often called lemon balm - its smell is very similar to peppermint (Méntha piperita), but it has a spicy and tangy aroma of lemon. Other names for this plant are queenwort, bee mint, honeywort, “ladies' happiness.” The word “melissa” itself is translated from Greek as “bee”, because it attracts and calms honey insects. If you're afraid bee stings, rub it on the exposed parts of your body, and not a single bee will sting you! Melissa tincture works in exactly the same way.

The experience of using lemon balm goes back over 3000 years. Avicenna believed that mint infusions and decoctions improve health and help get rid of brain blockage (that is, relieve spasms of cerebral vessels) and bad breath. Paracelsus, the founder of the modern pharmacopoeia, called this herb “gold among plants and the best that the earth has produced for the heart.”

Melissa is non-toxic and has no side effects. But her medications are contraindicated for low blood pressure and bradycardia (slow heart rate).

Whether in the garden, in the vegetable garden...

In nature, lemon balm grows in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, Asia and North Africa - there it is used not only for treatment, but also as a seasoning for national dishes and its leaves are put in salads. In temperate climates, lemon balm is grown on plantations to obtain medicinal raw materials, bred for personal plots and even grown as a houseplant.

Melissa - perennial grass with a branched stem ranging from 30 to 70-80 centimeters in height and dark green leaves. From June-July to August it blooms with small white flowers collected in whorls on the tops of plants.

Collect lemon balm before flowering - at this time it has the most pleasant aroma and has the most powerful healing properties. In medicine, only the above-ground part of the plant is used - leaves and stems, cut not at the roots, but at a height of 15-20 cm from the ground.

Composition and medicinal properties

Lemon balm essential oil contains more than two hundred ingredients, one of which, citral, gives the plant its spicy lemon scent. The plant contains organic acids (caffeic acid, rosemary acid, ferulic acid and others), trace elements (calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, copper, chromium), flavonoids, vitamins C and B.

The unique complex of biologically active substances in lemon balm affects all systems of the body. Preparations made from it calm the nerves, relieve spasms and convulsions, act as a mild sedative for insomnia, nervous excitement and increased sexual excitability, heart neuroses, asthma, hypertension, migraines.

Melissa is also used in the following cases:

1 In coursework complex treatment digestive system, lemon balm is prescribed to increase appetite, it also reduces nausea and helps with flatulence.

2 For kidney inflammation, it is recommended as a natural antispasmodic and mild diuretic.

3 Externally, decoctions, infusions and tinctures of lemon balm are used for diseases of the joints, for fungus on the nails and skin and for other skin diseases (dandruff, enlarged pores, acne, rashes, pimples).

One of folk names lemon balm is a “mother liquor”, since preparations of this herb have been used since ancient times to treat female diseases. They are prescribed for painful periods and disorders monthly cycle due to ovarian dysfunction, with toxicosis of pregnant women (to reduce nausea) and with menopause.

How to make and use the tincture

Ready-made lemon balm tincture can be bought at a pharmacy, and its price is low. But if you have a dozen lemon balm bushes in your garden, you can prepare it at home. Alcoholic extract of lemon balm is made with vodka or alcohol diluted to vodka strength.

Grind the leaves and stems of the plant with a knife, scissors or in a coffee grinder (by the way, some herbalists advise grinding the herb with your hands, “asking” it for healing power). The better the raw material is crushed, the more useful substances will pass from it into the extract.

Prepare the tincture You can follow two recipes - with vodka or forty-proof alcohol and with diluted vodka.

1 A quarter glass (approximately 50 g) of the prepared raw material is poured with a glass (200 g) of vodka or alcohol. You can take less vodka, 100-150 grams, then the tincture will be more concentrated.

2 The required amount of chopped herb is poured into 0.5 cups of vodka and 0.5 cups of water.

Regardless of what instructions you followed to make the tincture, seal the jar tightly and leave it to infuse in a dark, dry place. Alcohol and vodka liqueurs prepare from a week to two weeks, a mixture of vodka and water - 2 weeks. The jar must be shaken daily, and when the tincture is ready, it must be strained and poured into a dark bottle.

Take the tincture 15-20 drops (depending on the strength of the infusion) three times a day before meals, like everyone else medicinal herbs. The course of treatment is from two weeks to a month, although it can be longer if the body responds well to it. Externally, lemon balm tincture is used for rubbing and compresses for gout, rheumatism, and for wiping the skin for pimples and acne. For compresses, it is recommended to dilute it so as not to burn the skin.

Melissa officinalis
Taxon: family Lamiaceae ( Lamiaceae)
Other names: lemon grass, lemon balm, censer, bee mint
English: Common Balm, Lemon Balm

The origin of the name of the plant has three versions. According to the first, it comes from the Greek words “meli” - honey and “phyllon” - leaves, and is given to the plant for its honey smell. The second version has mythological origins. Melissa, according to Greek mythology, a nymph, the daughter of King Melisseus, who fed Zeus with milk and honey, and was supposed to teach people how to get honey. According to the third version, Melissa was very beautiful woman and claimed to be the first mistress of the gods. However, the goddesses did not like this, and they turned Melissa into an ordinary bee.

Botanical description of lemon balm

Melissa officinalis is a perennial herbaceous plant 30–150 cm high. The stem is branched, tetrahedral, the whole plant is soft-hairy. The leaves are heart-ovate, coarsely toothed, petiolate, opposite. The flowers are small, on short stalks, pale pink, lavender or white, in axillary tufts. Blooms in July–August. The fruit consists of 4 egg-shaped nuts. The whole plant before flowering has a pleasant lemon smell, which weakens after flowering and even becomes unpleasant. The fruits ripen in August–September.

Spreading

Melissa is native to the Middle East and North Africa. It is believed that it was brought to Spain by the Arabs around 960 AD. e. In the Middle Ages, the plant spread to Western and Central Europe. In most Mediterranean countries (from Italy and Syria to the Caucasus), lemon balm has gone wild and grows as a weed among shady shrubs, in open forests, on rocky and grassy areas. In some countries, its range reaches an altitude of 1000 m above sea level.
Currently, lemon balm is cultivated in many countries, including Russia (Krasnodar Territory, Samara Region), and Lithuania. Melissa is widely cultivated in vegetable gardens, orchards and plantations. Varieties with high content essential oil and citral.

Collection and preparation of lemon balm medicinal raw materials

WITH therapeutic purpose leaves (Folium Melissae) and shoot tips ( Herba Melissae), which are harvested at the beginning of flowering. When preparing raw materials, the mass is first air-dried in the shade or in cold dryers (at a temperature of no more than 40°C) and stored in a well-ventilated area. During the season you can get 3-4 harvests. It is better to collect lemon balm at noon, in cloudy weather, to reduce the loss of essential oil.
The aerial part and leaves of lemon balm are official raw materials in Russia, Italy, France, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Great Britain and others European countries.

Biologically active substances of lemon balm

The healing properties of lemon balm are due to the essential oil localized in the essential oil glands. The first studies of terpene compounds contained in lemon balm oil were carried out in late XIX century, in 1891–1894. Citral and citronelal were isolated from the plant, and over time the monoterpene compounds geraniol, linalool and citronellol. It is citral that gives the raw material a pleasant lemony smell.
As a result modern research In the essential oil and leaves of lemon balm, up to 65 terpenoids were identified, the main of which are neral (citral b) and geranial (citral a), and citronellol predominates in the essential oil of old leaves. Some scientists consider caryophyllene oxide to be a specific terpene for lemon balm, which can serve to identify raw materials.
New research by Turkish scientists shows that the essential oil contains 15.41% β-cubebene, 3.5–14.24% β-caryophyllene, 7.59% sesquiterpene alcohol, 7.18% α-cadinol, 6.62–44 .9% geranial, 3.96% cadinol, 2.92–21.1% citronelal, 5.82–33.3% neral, 2.36% neraldiol, 0.6–1.2% linalool, 0.4 –0.5% 3-octyl acetate, 0.3–0.8% trans-2-hexanal, 0.2–0.6% ocimene V (trans), 0.6% perillaldehyde. Melissa essential oil also contains myrcene, lavandulomevalerate, geranyl acetate, caryophyllene oxide, n-cymene, 1-octen-3-ol, 3-(1-octenyl) acetate, trans-2-noneal, 2,4-decadienal, trans -2-decenol, α-cubebene, α-copaene, α-caryophyllene, β-bourbonene, thujopsene, valencene.
Young leaves and leaves of the first collection contain up to 0.29% essential oil, the second collection - up to 0.13%, the third - only 0.1%. The content of essential oil in dry raw materials is influenced by the timing of collection, drying, grinding and packaging. It should be noted that the amount of essential oil in lemon balm leaves is unstable. When the essential oil is extracted and heated, citronellol undergoes cyclization.
Melissa leaves contain phenylcarboxylic acids and their depsides: caffeic acid, its dimer - rosmarinic acid and trimers - melitric acids A and B, as well as chlorogenic acid (depside of caffeic and quinic acids). Using high-performance liquid chromatography, it was found that the content of rosmarinic acid in lemon balm leaves ranges from 0.54 to 1.79% (according to other authors - up to 4.7%). In addition, lemon balm leaves contain p-coumaric, ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoenoic, protocatechuic, gentizic, sinapic, syringic, vanillic and salicylic acids.
In small quantities, lemon balm leaves contain flavonoids such as luteolin 7-O-glycoside, cosmocyin - apigenin 7-O-glycoside and flavonol glycosides: rhamnocitrin - 7-methoxykaempferol and isoquercitrin - quercitrin 3-glycoside.
Melissa leaves also contain triterpenes - ursolic and oleanolic acids (0.50% and 0.17%, respectively) and their derivatives, terpenoids - glucosides of nerol, geraniol, nerolic acid. They contain bitterness, coumarins (esculetin), up to 5% tannins, succinic acid, mucus, stachyose tetrasaccharide (a combination of two galactose residues with glucose and fructose), carotene (0.007–0.01%), vitamins C (0.15%), B1, B2, E.
Melissa seeds contain up to 20% fatty oil.

History of the use of lemon balm in medicine

Melissa officinalis began to be used in medicine more than 2000 years ago. It was cultivated in Ancient Greece and Rome. Melissa also had wide application as a valuable honey plant, as evidenced by the treatises of Theophrastus (227–287 BC). One of the heroes of Theocritus' myth, Laocoon, ate lemon balm. Virgil Maro (70–19 BC), Pliny the Elder and the Greek physician Dioscorides (1st century BC) indicated that beekeepers rubbed fresh lemon balm leaves on their bodies to catch a swarm of bees. The ancient Greeks called lemon balm "kalaminta" or "melissophyllon". In Rome it was known as "apiastrum".

Ancient medicine attributed lemon balm to have antimicrobial, antiseptic, antidysenteric, sedative effect, the plant helped improve vision and.

The Arab physician Avicenna (979–1037) believed that lemon balm refreshes and strengthens the heart, and helps against hiccups. He recommended lemon balm as a tonic and for the treatment of melancholy.

The Arabs began growing lemon balm in Europe at the beginning of the 16th century. in Spain. In medieval Europe, lemon balm was one of the most popular plants. The capitularies of Charlemagne indicated that it should be grown in every garden. The medieval German healer Benedictine abbess Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) recommended using lemon balm as a sedative for headaches, in particular for headaches. Seraphitus the Younger (second half of the 12th century) argued that lemon balm leaves can cheer up and ward off boredom, fear and sadness. Paracelsus (1493–1541) highly valued lemon balm. He equated the properties of lemon balm in terms of potency to gold.

The Polish medieval physician Sireniusz (1541–1611) recommended the use of lemon balm for the gastrointestinal tract.

Particularly popular in the Middle Ages was “Carmelite lemon balm water,” which was made by the French Carmelite monks from lemon balm leaves with the addition of mint leaves, lemon peel, coriander seeds, nutmeg and cinnamon. Diseases of the nervous system were treated with this water.

Medieval magicians and sorcerers attached magical meaning to lemon balm. The priests of ancient temples prepared a dynamized drink from lemon balm. Together with wormwood abrotan (god's tree) ( Artemisia abrotanum L.) and emerald, lemon balm was part of a remedy used to reduce pain during childbirth. As Albert the Great pointed out, whoever carries lemon balm on himself will be loved by everyone, and if he hangs it on the neck of a bull, he will be obedient.

In 1522, lemon balm herb was included in the German Brunswick Register medicines, and the essential oil was included in the Catalogus of Frankfurt, published in 1582. Hieronymus Bock in 1539 produced a wine-melissa distillate called Cardiac, which was used as a cardiac and gastric remedy.

In Rus', folk medicine used lemon balm decoctions for stomach cramps, “nervous fevers,” insomnia, melancholy, hysteria, and, for bronchial asthma, algomenorrhea and painful menstruation, as an anticonvulsant, expectorant and remedy for. The plant is recommended as antiemetic for pregnant. In addition, sometimes they used lemon balm oil, 3-6 drops per sugar. In Lithuanian folk medicine, an infusion of lemon balm and marjoram was used to improve memory. Melissa is recommended in the form of aromatic baths for skin diseases. Compresses from the leaves and tips of lemon balm shoots are used for rheumatic pain in joints and muscles, bruises, and ulcers.

Pharmacological properties of lemon balm

Medicines containing lemon balm have pronounced sedative, antispasmodic and carminative properties. It has been established that lemon balm exhibits a mild effect. This pharmacological activity is mainly due to the components of the essential oil. and antispasmodic effect manifests itself when used small doses lemon balm, and their subsequent increase does not enhance these effects.

Electrophysiological studies conducted by E. Holm found that the target of action of lemon balm essential oil compounds is the brain, namely - limbic system, which controls autonomic functions and also shields the cerebral hemispheres from very strong stimuli coming from the periphery. These data experimentally determine therapeutic effectiveness Melissa at vegetative-vascular dystonia. R. F. Weiss (1985) concludes that lemon balm is a mild phytotranquilizer.

D. Yordanov et al. (1971) indicate that lemon balm increases appetite and stimulates secretion gastric juice, eliminates fermentation anomalies.

Melissa tincture exhibits a protective effect against experimental gastric ulcers. It has been established that it enhances gastric motility and has choleretic and hemostatic properties.

The antispasmodic effect of lemon balm has been established in experimental animals. Its tincture reduces the tension of intestinal smooth muscles and exhibits bronchodilator properties. Melissa essential oil relaxes catecholamine-induced spasms smooth muscle trachea and phasic contractions of longitudinal strips of the small intestine of guinea pigs.

H. Leclerc (1976) reported that lemon balm exhibits antiarrhythmic activity and can be successfully used for various types heart rhythm disturbances, as well as nervous tremors that occur at night. It slows breathing, reduces heart rate, reduces arterial pressure.

Melissa herb has astringent hypoglycemic and diuretic properties, stimulates menstruation.

Melissa exhibits anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic and antiviral properties. K. Okazaki and S. Oshima (1953) conducted studies of the antimicrobial activity of essential oil components against a number of pathogenic fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The most active were aldehydes (citral, citronelal), and the least active were alcohols (geraniol). The antimicrobial properties of lemon balm essential oil are more pronounced than those of essential oils of other members of the Lamiaceae family, in particular lavender and rosemary.

Melissa essential oil has antiviral activity against viruses, Semilki forest disease, influenza, measles and Nyocastle disease. Back in 1968, E. C. Herrmann and L. S. Kucera established that it is caused by rosmarinic acid. Further research Bulgarian scientists ( Z. Dimitrova et al., 1993) demonstrated the direct virucidal effect of a fraction of lemon balm extract, which contains caffeic, ferulic and rosmarinic acids, when exposed to the virus simple type 1 for 3 and 6 hours. It should be noted that antiviral effect lemon balm preparations have low selectivity, and they can be used against myxoviruses - influenza A and B viruses. Recently, A. Mazumder et al. (1997) found that rosmarinic acid blocks the binding of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) integrase to provirus DNA and, apparently, thus inhibits its integration into the cell chromosome.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the hydroalcoholic lemon balm extract are largely associated with rosmarinic acid. In in vitro experiments, it inhibits lipid peroxidation processes in microsomes of the brain, liver and kidneys of rats induced by Fe2+/cysteine ​​and vitamin C/NADP (formation of malondialdehyde), as well as the formation of superoxide anions in the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system. Rosmarinic acid reversely inhibits luminol-dependent chemiluminescence of human segmented nuclear granulocytes induced by opsonized Staph. aureus, opsonized by zymosan and phorbol myristate acetate, i.e., the secretion of oxygen and H2O2 free radicals by these cells. But at the same time, rosmarinic acid does not affect the migration of polymorphonuclear cells under the influence of chemoattractants, their absorption capacity against Staph. aureus and the level of oxygen consumption by these cells during phagocytosis. In the presence of rosmarinic acid, the intensity of hemolysis of erythrocytes under the influence of hydrogen peroxide and polymorphonuclear cells stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate decreases. It is believed that it binds oxygen free radicals in the extracellular environment. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of rosmarinic acid are also evident in in vivo experiments. Introducing it to rabbits after intravenous injection zymosan-activated blood plasma prevents the development of interstitial pulmonary edema and the accumulation of polymorphonuclear cells in them, reduces histological signs of inflammation in other organs (but the number of circulating neutrophils and platelets does not decrease). Due to its antioxidant activity, rosmarinic acid affects the process of 5-lipoxygenase oxidation arachidonic acid. At concentrations of 0.01-1 mM, it is a strong inhibitor of synthesis by segmented-nuclear granulocytes peripheral blood humans, stimulated by calcium ionophore A 23187, 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid and leukotriene B4 - important mediators of inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory properties of rosmarinic acid are also due to its anti-complementary activity. It inhibits the activity of C3 convertase of classical and alternative paths activation of complement, as well as C5 convertase, and to a lesser extent affects the binding of the C1q component. In vitro experiments have shown that rosmarinic acid inhibits complement-dependent hemolysis of sheep erythrocytes (at optimal concentrations of 5–10 μM - by 70%), and its effect on the classical pathway of complement activation is stronger than on the alternative one. Due to its anti-complementary activity, rosmarinic acid inhibits phagocytosis during the absorption phase coli segmented nuclear granulocytes of humans and pigs, but it does not directly affect the intracellular killing of microorganisms. The anti-complementary activity of rosmarinic acid is also manifested in vivo: in doses of 0.316–3.16 mg/kg intramuscularly it inhibits the development of swelling of the rat paw under the influence of cobra venom, and in doses of 1–100 mg/kg per os it inhibits the development of the passive anaphylaxis reaction in rats. At a dose of 10 mg/kg intramuscularly, rosmarinic acid counteracts macrophage activation in mice caused by intraperitoneal administration of heat-killed Corynebacterium parvum. At a dose of 20 mg/kg intravenously, it suppresses the occurrence of clinical manifestations endotoxic shock in rabbits - hemocirculatory (hypotension) and hematological changes (thrombocytopenia), which are manifestations of the early phase. At the core therapeutic effect rosmarinic acid is the inhibition of the activation of the complement system and synthesis, as well as the release in bloodstream vasoactive prostanoids (prostacyclin and thromboxane A2), which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the early phase of endotoxic shock. In particular, it has been proven that rosmarinic acid prevents an increase in the level of complement-dependent synthesis of prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2) by rabbit peritoneal tissue when incubated with fresh serum and cobra venom.

Due to anti-complementary properties, H. Bult et al. (1985) and P. W. Peake et al. (1991) consider rosmarinic acid and lemon balm extract to be promising for the treatment of endotoxic shock and other immunopathological conditions caused by excessive activation of the complement system.

In addition to anti-complementary and anti-radical activity, the anti-inflammatory effect of rosmarinic acid is based on its ability to inhibit the activity of lysosomal proteases (elastase, serine proteases).

Rosmarinic acid is well absorbed through the skin - after 4.5 hours it is found in the blood, skin, muscle and bone tissue. 30 minutes after intravenous administration In rats, rosmarinic acid accumulates in significant quantities in the tissues of the brain, heart, liver, lungs, muscles, spleen and bone tissue. Its high content is observed in the lungs (13 times higher than the concentration in the blood), spleen, heart and liver. Therefore, rosmarinic acid is considered as a promising non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for clinical use ( W. A. ​​Ritschel et al., 1989). Experiments on animals have confirmed its effectiveness in local treatment experimental gingivitis.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-complementary activity underlies the antiallergic effect of rosmarinic acid.

In experiments on rats, Z. W. Zou et al. (1993) established the antithrombotic properties of rosmarinic acid, which are associated with inhibition of platelet aggregation and an increase in fibrinolytic activity of blood plasma. At doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, it significantly inhibits the formation of venous thrombi (by 41.9% and 54.8%, respectively), platelet aggregation induced by collagen (by 30.4% and 46.4%), shortens the euglobulinolytic period, without affecting plasma fibrinogen levels.

Of practical interest to clinicians is the report by M. Аufmkolk et al. that dried frozen lemon balm extract blocks the binding of Graves' immunoglobulins - IgG - to the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors, which activate the intrasecretory function thyroid gland(which underlies the pathogenesis of toxic diffuse goiter- Graves-Basedow disease). At the same time, the biological activity of Graves' immunoglobulins is blocked, judging by the activity of adenylate cyclase and the release of iodine-containing thyroid hormones.

In experiments on mice, it was found that polyphenols in the aqueous extract of lemon balm stimulate the primary and secondary humoral immune response to sheep red blood cells.

Experimentally confirmed cytostatic effect aqueous extracts of lemon balm. Tannin-free lemon balm leaf extract contains two compounds (caffeic acid and an unidentified glycoside) that inhibit protein synthesis in a cell-free system. The glycoside inhibitor affects the elongation factor EF-2, blocking its binding to ribosomes.

Toxicology and side effects of lemon balm

The plant has low toxicity, but lemon balm should not be used for.
When using lemon balm preparations, dizziness, lethargy, fatigue, drowsiness, decreased concentration, nausea, vomiting, itching, exanthema, muscle weakness, and convulsions are possible. Therefore, patients undergoing treatment with lemon balm preparations should avoid potential dangerous species activities that require increased attention, quick motor and mental reactions (driving Vehicle, mechanism control).

Clinical uses of lemon balm

Melissa leaf extracts are used as an effective sedative, especially in geriatric practice. This makes it possible to reduce the dose of synthetic drugs or abandon them altogether. The plant is prescribed for conditions of general nervous excitement, hysteria, insomnia, functional pain in the heart, tachycardia, and changes in blood pressure under the influence emotional factors, dizziness, tinnitus, painful menstruation, postpartum weakness.

Medicines from lemon balm are also prescribed to increase appetite, for digestive disorders, epigastric pain, stomach neuroses, gastritis, colitis, asthma, neuralgia. D. Yordanov et al. (1971) describe positive influence of this plant with some functional disorders digestive system. Enemas with lemon balm juice are recommended. An infusion of lemon balm leaves, collected before flowering, is used as a diuretic.

Externally, lemon balm is prescribed for baths and compresses for allergic dermatoses, furunculosis, as well as in cosmetology. IN dental practice It is used to rinse the mouth for gingivitis.

Melissa water, lemon balm essential oil and lemon balm alcohol are used in medicine. Melissa alcohol is prescribed externally for rubbing in for neuralgia, headaches, and also in the evening before bed for insomnia. In German medicine, a popular remedy is complex lemon balm alcohol (or “Carmelite spirit”), which, in addition to lemon balm essential oil, contains nutmeg, cinnamon and clove oil. It is consumed 10–20 drops in water.

Melissa leaf is rarely used on its own; more often it is used in conjunction with mint, chamomile, cumin, hysop, valerian, lavender, hawthorn and other medicinal plants. Dry lemon balm leaves are used to flavor teas. Salads from the young foliage of the plant are included in the therapeutic and prophylactic diet. Fresh or dried lemon balm leaf is used as a spicy seasoning in cooking (for soups, mushrooms, fish and meat dishes, when canning vegetables) and in the liquor and vodka industry. In Denmark, lemon balm is used to preserve meat.

Melissa essential oil is included in the balm and liniment "Sanitas" (together with methyl salicylate, purified turpentine oil, eucalyptus oil and camphor), which have a sedative effect.

Medicines containing lemon balm

Altalex(Altalex, Lek, Slovenia) - drops containing a 2.5% mixture of essential oils of lemon balm, peppermint, fennel, cloves, thyme, pine needles, anise, sage, cinnamon and lavender in an ethanol solution. Available in 50 ml bottles.
Has antispasmodic, diuretic, choleretic properties, easy sedative effect, stimulates secretory activity digestive tract. Prescribed orally (10–20 drops in hot tea 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day) for flatulence and other organ dysfunctions gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the hepatobiliary system, menopausal syndrome, painful menstruation. Children from 3 to 5 years old are prescribed 1/3 of the dose for adults, from 6 to 9 years old - 1/2 of the dose for adults. It is also used externally - for rubbing in arthritis and myalgia.

Novo-Passit(Novo-Passit, Galena, Czech Republic) - a drug in the form of an oral solution, 5 ml of which contains 200 mg of guaifenesin and 150 mg of a complex of medicinal plant extracts (common hawthorn, common hop, St. John's wort, lemon balm, passionflower, black elderberry and valerian officinalis). Available in 100 ml bottles.
The drug exhibits sedative and anxiolytic (tranquilizing) effects. Eliminates feelings of fear, mental tension, relaxes smooth muscles.
Indications: permanent mental stress(“manager syndrome”); mild forms of neurasthenia, accompanied by irritability, anxiety, fear, fatigue, absent-mindedness, memory impairment, mental exhaustion; insomnia; , attacks of headaches caused by nervous overstrain; increased neuromuscular excitability; climacteric syndrome; functional diseases of the digestive tract (dyspeptic syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome); cardiopsychoneurosis; dermatoses accompanied by itching (atopic eczema, seborrheic eczema, urticaria).
Prescribe 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of the drug 3 times a day. If necessary single dose increase to 10 ml. If lethargy occurs, prescribe 2.5 ml in the morning and afternoon and 5 ml at night. The drug can be taken once, 5–10 ml, 20–30 minutes before the predicted emotional stress. For digestive disorders, the drug is recommended to be taken with meals.
Novo-Passit is contraindicated in case of myasthenia gravis, hypersensitivity to its components. Caution should be used in patients with severe organic diseases gastrointestinal tract. The drug enhances the effect of substances that depress the central nervous system, as well as alcohol. It is not recommended to prescribe Novo-Passit to children under 12 years of age.
Side effects: possible dizziness, lethargy, fatigue, drowsiness, decreased concentration, nausea, vomiting, itching, exanthema, muscle weakness, cramps; Potentially hazardous activities that require increased attention, rapid motor and mental reactions (driving vehicles, operating machinery) should be avoided.

Persen(Persen, Lek, Slovenia) - dragees containing 50 mg of valerian extract, 25 mg of peppermint extract, 25 mg of lemon balm extract. Available in a package of 40 tablets.
Persen forte(Persen forte, Lek, Slovenia) - capsules containing 125 mg of valerian extract, 25 mg of peppermint extract and 25 mg of lemon balm extract. Available in a package of 20 capsules.
It has a sedative effect on the central and autonomic nervous system, normalizes sleep and appetite in case of neuroses and asthenia. Prescribed for neuroses, asthenovegetative syndrome, which is manifested by increased fatigue, irritability, psycho-emotional stress or depression, decreased concentration, memory impairment, insomnia, sweating and hand tremors. For psychosomatic lability, fear, tension, anxiety and irritability. Use 2 tablets 2-3 times a day or 1 capsule an hour before bedtime. Children over 6 years of age are prescribed 1 tablet 2-3 times a day.

Calmidorm(Medisculab, Germany) - drops, 100 ml of which contains alcohol extracts of valerian root (1:1) - 27 g, lemon balm leaf (10:8) - 20 g and passionflower herb (10:7) - 53 g. Apply 20 –25 drops 3 times a day for anxiety and insomnia.

Kneipp Nerven– und Schlaf–Tee N(Kneipp, Germany) - tea, 100 g of which contains 56.7 g of lemon balm leaf, 31.6 g of valerian root and 12.3 g of orange peel malt. Prescribed as a sedative, 1-2 cups during the day and 2 cups in the evening.

Melissa essential oil is included in multicomponent drug Doppelhertz(Doppelherz, Queisser Pharma), which has tonic and restorative properties. It is used for increased physical and mental stress, polyhypovitaminosis and vitamin deficiency, neuroses, during menopause and convalescence, in geriatrics - as a tonic. Prescribe 1 measuring cup (20 ml) orally 3-4 times a day before meals and at night before bed.

Industrial Applications

Melissa is a valuable honey plant; during flowering it produces a lot of nectar.

Photos and illustrations

Melissa officinalis has a pleasant lemon aroma, so people gave it the appropriate names: lemon balm, lemon grass, lemon balm. You can also hear it called a minnow, a honey honey, a swarmer or a beekeeper.

The latter names are consonant with the botanical “name” of the flower - translated from Greek “melissa” means “bee”. And this is quite natural: the aroma of this medicinal perennial both attracts and has a calming effect on bees. Therefore, if you rub your hands with fresh lemon balm leaves while working in the apiary, the bees will calm down and will not bite you.

Melissa belongs to the herbaceous essential oil perennials of the Melissa genus of the Yamnotaceae family. Another one belongs to the same family medicinal plant, with which it is often confused by inexperienced herbalists, is mint. But these are two completely different plants with slightly different properties.

This perennial can reach 1.0 – 1.2 m in height. The root is strong and well branched. The erect, highly branched stem is tetrahedral, covered with small hairs, but can also be almost bare. The foliage is opposite, attached to the stem on small petioles, its shape is round, with large teeth at the edges, and covered with small hairs. The color of the leaves is bright emerald.

The flowers are small, collected in whorls (4-9 pieces each) and located in the axils of the foliage in the upper part of the stem. Their color is white or pale pink. The flowering of this medicinal perennial begins in the first ten days of June and continues until the beginning of autumn.

Melissa belongs to the herbaceous essential oil perennials of the Melissa genus of the Lamiaceae family

The fruits of the plant are achenes, consisting of four nuts that are located at the bottom of the sepal, which remains in the axil after the petals of the flower fall at the end of flowering. Fruit ripening occurs from the first ten days of September to the last ten days of October.

Melissa is distinguished by average resistance to frost. During severe frosts the plant may partially freeze out. However, with the beginning of the new season it is growing again.

This perennial can be propagated by seeds, dividing parent bushes, layering or root cuttings. Seeds are usually not sown before winter, since they do not need stratification, so the seed is either sown in open ground in the spring or grown in seedlings. Propagated by seed material lemon balm It usually does not bloom in the first year.

Gallery: lemon balm (25 photos)

How to grow lemon balm (video)

The ancient homeland of this medicinal perennial is considered to be the Mediterranean coast, the Black Sea region and the countries of Western Asia. Under natural conditions, lemon balm is found in the center and south of Europe, in the Balkan countries, in northern Africa and North America. It is found in Ukraine, Belarus, and also in the countries of Transcaucasia. But Basically, lemon balm is a cultivated plant, it is grown everywhere in garden plots in most regions of our country, as well as in many countries of the Eurasian continent.

Lemon balm is naturally found on the edges of forests, in ravines, in shaded gorges, and grows well on both clay and sandy loam soils with sufficient quantity moisture. Too acidic soils are not for this perennial; on such soils it simply dies. The most suitable soil acidity for it is pH 4.6 - 7.5. The plant cannot tolerate stagnant moisture in the soil; in such conditions, the plant is immediately affected by fungal diseases and dies. Lemon Balm prefers sunny areas, but can also grow in shaded places, but in this case the vegetative mass of the plant grows worse, and the aroma of the foliage decreases.

Lemon balm prefers sunny areas

How to distinguish lemon balm from mint

Melissa and mint are often confused, but these plants are quite different in their appearance. The main difference is the scent of their foliage. A picked mint leaf has a strong menthol smell, while lemon balm has a subtle lemon aroma. Melissa foliage is bright emerald green, while mint foliage has a grayer tint.

And one more thing - lemon balm flowers grow in the axils of the leaf petioles, and mint flowers are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences on the tops of the stems.

Composition and beneficial properties of lemon balm

The effect of using lemon balm is determined by those active substances, which are part of it. According to research, the medicinal raw materials obtained from this plant contain essential oils, which have healing properties. Availability healing properties These oils are due to the fact that they contain:

• Citronellal;
• Citral;
• ascorbic acid (about 120 – 150 mg!);
• tannins;
• oleanic, caffeic and a number of other acids;
• resins and some other active substances.

Medicines containing lemon balm help relieve spasms and have sedative and carminative properties. Also lemon balm has a slight hypnotic effect. The properties of lemon balm described above appear when taken in small quantities; increasing the dose does not lead to a better result.

Melissa tincture has a mild choleretic effect, improves stomach function. But the most useful are infusions and decoctions based on this medicinal perennial for the functioning of the cardiovascular system. These drugs help with hypertension, relieve nervous tremors that occur at night, even out and calm breathing, reduce heart rate, and normalize heart rhythm.

In addition, they are good diuretics, and also improve the functioning of the liver and brain, restore the digestive process, regulate metabolism, lower temperature, have a choleretic effect, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

Melissa tincture has a slight choleretic effect, improves stomach function

Collection, preparation and storage of medicinal raw materials

The herb and leaves of lemon balm have a pleasant aroma and taste only before the flowers appear. With the beginning of flowering, the foliage acquires a slightly unpleasant and rough aroma, and its taste and medicinal qualities decrease. That's why The procurement of raw materials should be carried out before or at the very beginning of the flowering of this medicinal plant.

For medicinal purposes should be used top part plants with young greenery and flowers beginning to bloom. The collected raw materials should be dried quickly enough in shady places blown by the wind. The raw materials should be stirred regularly so that the collected leaves dry faster.

Completely dried leaves are placed in glass containers and close tightly so that the essential oils disappear more slowly. However, these substances are so volatile that after three months they disappear almost completely. That's why The plant is best used fresh, or no longer than 120 days from the moment of drying.

The healing properties of lemon balm (video)

The use of lemon balm in folk medicine

In folk medicine for treatment various diseases It is recommended to prepare infusions, decoctions, alcohol tinctures based on lemon balm, as well as prepare herbal teas with leaves of this herb. The effect of this perennial on the human body has been studied quite well., and the recommended recipes for preparing preparations based on lemon balm and their effectiveness are time-tested. Therefore, below are some of the most commonly used methods of preparing infusions and decoctions in treatment.

Infusion of lemon balm herb (for internal use)

Pour boiling water (2.5 cups) over 30 g of crushed lemon balm leaves, leave for ½ hour, strain the infusion, and drink in small portions throughout the day. You can brew the infusion in a thermos.

Infusion for poultices

It is prepared in the same way as the previous one, only for the indicated amount of boiling water you should take 2 times more dry raw materials. It should be remembered that prepared infusions are used only fresh - during the day. They should not be heated.

Melissa tea is prepared in much the same way as regular tea, only a certain proportion must be observed.

A decoction of this medicinal herb

1 tbsp. l. raw materials (without slide) pour 200 g cold water, boil for 1/6 hour, filter and take 1 tsp orally. several times a day. Such decoctions help with asthma (some of its forms), stomach diseases, respiratory tract, a number of heart diseases.

Alcohol tincture of lemon balm

This tincture is prepared as follows: take 5 parts of vodka for 1 part of dry raw materials and infuse for 7 – 10 days. You should take strictly 15 drops three times a day.

Melissa is one of my favorite plants traditional healers. It is generally accepted that tinctures and decoctions prepared from young leaves will help lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, reduce nervousness, and help cure female diseases. Useful material and vitamins contained in lemon balm have an effect on the human body and restorative effect– You can significantly increase immunity if you regularly take a tincture of this plant in therapeutic doses.

Unique composition

The beneficial effects of lemon balm on the body are due to its composition. This plant contains:

• vitamins A, B and C;
• a number of microelements (zinc, manganese, selenium, iron, etc.);
• ferulic, rosmarinic, caffeic and other acids;
• flavonoids;
• essential oils.

Melissa leaves are the richest in all of the above substances - they try to use them fresh. This part of the plant can have an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic and even analgesic effect on humans.

How to collect and store?

Alcohol tincture of lemon balm will require the availability of high-quality raw materials, preferably in fresh. It is necessary to collect the components for this product from April to June, until the plant begins to bloom. It is at this time that the lemon balm leaves are literally filled with vitality and vitamins.

The above-ground part of the plant is cut not at the root, but at approximately a height of 20 cm from the ground. After collecting the raw materials, it is better to immediately start preparing healing drink on vodka, without drying the lemon balm.

Recipes for healing drinks

Tincture from lemon balm leaves is known today in two variations - it can be a water decoction, or a drink aged in moonshine. Let's bring popular recipes natural remedy with lemon balm.

Recipe No. 1, or universal lemon balm tincture

To prepare the drink you will need:

The raw materials are finely chopped with a knife or ground in a mortar, placed in a jar and filled with moonshine. After this, the product is stored in a dark, cool room for 2–3 weeks. The solution must be shaken daily, and when ready, strain and pour into a sealable dark glass container.

Vodka tincture is taken 15 drops before each meal. Improvement in health can be felt within 2-3 weeks.

The same moonshine remedy can also be used externally, making compresses. However, before use it is better to dilute it with water, as otherwise you can get a skin burn.

Recipe No. 2

• dry or fresh leaves of the plant – 10–15 g;
• water – 400 ml.

The crushed herb is poured with hot water, covered with a lid and infused for about 30–50 minutes. After this, it is filtered through a piece of gauze and consumed 100-150 ml. several times a day before meals.

Recipe No. 3, or cold remedy with vodka

Melissa will help strengthen the immune system and quickly get rid of the symptoms of flu or ARVI,

aged in alcohol. To prepare this product you will need:

• raw materials – 50–60 g;
• vodka or alcohol – 150 ml;
• water – 100–150 ml.

Fresh leaves must be washed and dried in the oven or in the sun. After this, the raw materials are crushed in a coffee grinder or cut with a knife, placed in a glass container, water and vodka are added. Cover the resulting alcohol mixture with a lid and place it away from sun rays for a few weeks.

After the specified time has passed, you can start using the tincture. To treat colds and strengthen the immune system, the drink should be taken 20–30 drops three times a day. If you need to get rid of a row skin diseases, then the product must be applied directly to the skin a couple of drops.

Recipe No. 4

You can also make a moonshine drink from lemon balm, which guests at any celebration will appreciate. To do this, put 20–30 grams in a container. dry lemon balm, add a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 30 minutes. Add 200 grams to the finished solution. sugar, mix everything thoroughly, and then pour in alcohol. This moonshine tincture is easy to drink, has an exquisite lemon aroma and a pale yellow tint.

Contraindications

Despite the many healing properties of the plant, tincture of lemon balm leaves has a number of contraindications. This remedy should not be taken by people who have been diagnosed with:

• epilepsy;
• individual intolerance and allergy to the plant;
• fever of unknown origin.

Also, children under 12 years of age and women during pregnancy and breastfeeding should not drink alcohol-containing drinks. For diseases of the heart and blood vessels, lemon balm tincture should be taken under medical supervision, as this remedy can contribute to the development of bradycardia. Long-term use water tinctures lemon balm is also not recommended for children under 7 years of age.