Lemon Balm Leaf
Melissa officinalis L.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is one of the oldest and commonly known medicinal plants. Lemon balm is widely cultivated throughout the whole Poland. Herbal raw materials of the plant are lemon balm leaf (Melissae folium) and lemon balm herb (Melissae herba). They contain essential oil (with citral which gives the plant the characteristic citrus scent), phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and hydroxycinnamate acid), flavonoids and bitter substances. Activce ingridients in lemon balm can have calming effects for problems such as high stress level and sleep disorders. Moreover, they relieve symptoms of digestive system disorders, including bloatness and nausea. It is recommeded to combine lemon balm with other herbal materials such as hops and valerian to enhance its effect.