Bot. name : Melissa officinalis
Family : Labiatae or Mint Family
Parts used : Whole plant/Leaves
Chemical composition : The main chemical components are
trans-ocimene, cis-ocimene, 3-octanone, methyl hepenone, cis-3-hexenol,
3-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, copaene, citronellal, linalool, b-bourbonene,
caryophyllene, a-humulene, neral, germacrene-D, geranial, geranyl
acetate, d-cadinene, y-cadinene, nerol and geraniol.
Common Uses : Beauty , Cardiovascular, Colds, Depression, Herpes, Hypertension, Insect Bites, Nausea, Pregnancy, Sore Throat, Sunburns
Properties : Anodyne, Antispasmodic, AntiViral, Aromatic,
Cardic tonic Cordial, Carminative, Diaphoretic/sudorific, Digestive,
Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Hypotensive, Nervine, Sedative, Stomachic,
Uterine Tonic,Vermifuge.
Medicinal use of Lemon Balm : Lemon balm is a commonly
grown household remedy with a long tradition as a tonic remedy that
raises the spirits and lifts the heart. Modern research has shown that
it can help significantly in the treatment of cold sores. The leaves and
young flowering shoots are antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral,
carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative,
and tonic. It also acts to inhibit thyroid activity. An infusion of the
leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and colds, indigestion
associated with nervous tension, excitability and digestive upsets in
children, hyperthyroidism, depression, mild insomnia, headaches etc.
Externally, it is used to treat herpes, sores, gout, insect bites and as
an insect repellent. The plant can be used fresh or dried, for drying
it is harvested just before or just after flowering. The essential oil
contains citral and citronella, which act to calm the central nervous
system and are strongly antispasmodic. The plant also contains
polyphenols, in particular these combat the herpes simplex virus which
produces cold sores. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its
keyword is "Female aspects". It is used to relax and rejuvenate,
especially in cases of depression and nervous tension.
Edible parts of Lemon Balm : Leaves - raw or cooked. A
pleasant lemon-like aroma and flavour, they are used mainly as a
flavouring in salads and cooked foods. A lemon-flavoured tea can be made
from the fresh or dried leaves. A bunch of the leaves can be added to
china tea, much improving the flavour, the leaves are also added to
fruit cups etc. They are used as a flavouring in various alcoholic
beverages including Chartreuse and Benedictine.
Other uses of the herb : The growing plant is said to
repel flies and ants. It is also rubbed on the skin as a repellent,
though the essential oil would be more effective here. An essential oil
is obtained from the plant (the exact part is not specified, it is
probably the entire plant and especially the flowering stems). It is
used medicinally. The whole plant is very pleasantly aromatic, the aroma
lasting for a long time after the plant has been harvested. It is
therefore a very useful ingredient in pot-pourri.
Propagation of Lemon Balm : Seed - sow spring or autumn in
a cold frame. Germination can be slow. Prick out the seedlings into
individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out
into their permanent positions when the plants are at least 15cm tall.
If there is plenty of seed it can be sown in an outdoor seed bed in
April. Plant out into their permanent positions the following spring.
Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted
direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up
smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting
well. Plant them out in the spring. Cuttings in July/August.
Cultivation : Planting is usually 40,000 plants/Ha. with
propagation from seed or cuttings. The plants have a life of 10 years
but are usually replaced every five years with crop rotation to
rejuvenate the soil. Propagation in the northern hemisphere is from
April to July.
Harvesting period : In the first year the crop is in August, thereafter
two crops are experienced. The first in June and the second in August.
Harvesting methods : Usually by hand on a clear warm day
as the leaves will turn black if harvested wet. For good appearance
leaves should not be left in the sun.
Pre-Treatment : Weed control is recommended (Pank). It has
been reported that, in Egypt, irradiating seeds has an effect on
growth, essential oil content and composition. The quantity of herb was
reduced but the oil content was increased, with the irradiation dosage
varying the proportion of the constituents.
Preservation and Storage : The oil should be stored in filled sealed containers, out of light and kept cool. The oil is subject to oxidation.
Lemon Balm -Melissa Officinalis seeds/leaves are available at :
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"PIC: Gulmaag, Sonamarag, Kishtwar & Ramban"
Meet to us at :"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, Nambalbal, (Via Wuyan-Meej Road), Pampore PPR JK 192121
