Melissa Officinalis: Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, more scientifically known as melissa officinalis, is an herb that is known for growing in Europe and Mediterranean regions. It is related to the mint family and is often used for its multiple medicinal uses and its favorable scent and taste. Lemon balm is frequently used to make a tasteful tea as well, which can be used for many things such as easing cold sores, infections, insomnia, and it can even be useful in helping the mind to focus more properly.

The Chemistry of Lemon Balm

There are many things that allow lemon balm tea to be so beneficial. The first ingredient in lemon balm is eugenol. Eugenol is a phenylpropene oil that is often extracted in used for many things such as essential oils and antiseptics and anesthetics. Eugenol destroys bacteria, calm muscles, and numbs tissue. Lemon balm also contains tannins and terpenes which allows it to have many easing antiviral properties as well. There are also many other ingredients in the chemical makeup of lemon balm such as humulene and caffeic acid which are both beneficial in reducing inflammation. Germacrene, another piece to the chemical makeup of lemon balm is effective as an antimicrobial. Another important element to be found in lemon balm is oleanolic acid which has been found to be a strong anti-HIV. It has also exhibited many antiviral and antitumor properties as well which make it very beneficial to the body. Protocatechuic and rosmarinic acid, which are also found in this tea, are strong antioxidants.

Much of the chemical makeup that goes into lemon balm constitutes for the many medicinal health benefits that lemon balm tea has on the body. For anyone who is looking for a good tea that is not only favorable to the senses, but also has a large quantity of health benefits that can be gathered upon drinking it, lemon balm tea is definitely a good tea to keep on hand.