Latin name: Melissa officinalis Distilled part: Leaves Main components: Eugenol, Caryophyllene Botanical family: Lamiaceae Origin: France
Description of the plant: It originates from the south-west of Europe, the western region of Asia and North Africa. It is also found in the Principality, but it is considered of dubious spontaneity, especially in maritime regions, which have climate maritime with temperate and humid conditions and hot and dry summers. So, it is found from the Alt Empordà to the Montsià, and looking for moisture and rainy areas it ascends to the Ripollès, the Berguedà, the Alt Urgell, the Segarra, the Prades mountains and the Montsant. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches up to 150 cm in height. The stem is straight and ascending, quadrangular, branched and slightly hairy, it grows annually, as it dies in winter but the roots are perennial and sprout again.
Traditional medicine: It is used in infusion, in fluid or dry extract, or in essence. The famous Carmen water or lemon balm water is sold, which is obtained by distilling different drugs with alcohol. These drugs are mainly lemon balm leaves, but also cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves.
Applications: Ideal for sleep disorders and insomnia, Low mood and sadness Anxiety and anxiety (Hydrolate) Muscle and joint problems Lipothymia Properties: Calming, Sedative and Hypnotic Stimulates brain activity. Hypotensive Nervous and emotional balancing Digestive tonic Anti-inflammatory
Energetic action and Chakras: Orange has energetic action in the heart. It is the plant of joy. It blooms in summer and then attracts bees, which is where the name of the genus comes from, since melissa is the Greek name for the bee.
Precautions: Eugenol is hepatotoxic and can damage the liver, do not use pure directly on the skin.