Melissa officinalis
Latin Name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Main action: Sedative, hypotensive and antispasmodic.
A natural sedative that is successfully used to relieve stress and improve sleep and mood. It is used in the treatment of hyperactivity and weakening of memory and concentration. It has a regulating effect on the production of cholesterol in the liver and on the levels of triglycerides. The herb increases the sensitivity of the heart muscle to the electrical impulses that reach it, therefore it is a means of complementary treatment of heart rhythm disorders. The extract is used as a means of regulating the activity of the thyroid gland.
Widespread: It grows in shady thickets, sparse forests, grassy and stony places, sometimes near settlements. Widespread throughout southern and central Europe up to 1,000 meters above sea level.
Content: Up to 0.3% essential oil (citral up to 60%, citronellal, geraniol), tannins, phenolic acids (caffeine), triterpenic acids (oleanolic and ursolic).
Drug used: Leaves and stem tips (Hebra and Folia Melissae)
