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Melissa is a unique perennial plant with a honey-lemon scent and several pretty names (lemon grass, bee mint, censer). The height of the stem reaches 30-150 cm, the shape of the leaves is heart-shaped. Small white or pale pink flowers appear in July-August. Saturated pleasant aroma persists until flowering, then gradually loses its expressiveness.
What helps Melissa
Preparations based on lemon balm have a sedative, mild hypnotic, antispasmodic and carminative effects. These are the main properties of the plant, on which numerous recipes are based. Interestingly, with an increase in the dosage of lemon balm tincture, the sedative and antispasmodic effects from the use of the plant do not increase.
Beneficial effect on the body is complex:
- relaxes, calms and restores the nervous system;
- eliminates spasms and nausea;
- relieves inflammation and pain;
- stimulates appetite;
- activates metabolism;
- inhibits the activity of bacteria;
- strengthens the immune defense;
- lowers blood pressure;
- has a weak diuretic effect;
- accelerates the healing of wounds on the skin and mucous membranes.
Melissa tincture is prescribed for neurological disorders, neurosis, insomnia, vegetovascular dystonia, migraine, functional diseases of the cardiovascular system (pain in the heart, tachycardia), digestive problems, colds and weakened immunity, increased sexual excitability, tinnitus, painful menstruation , inflammatory diseases of the joints, infections of the skin and nails, acne. In dentistry, it is used as a rinse for gingivitis.
Melissa tinctures on vodka
For the preparation of tincture of lemon balm on vodka, fresh leaves are taken.
Proportions:
- fresh lemon balm – 50 g;
- vodka – 100 ml to obtain a concentrated tincture.
Recipe: washed and dried leaves, together with the stem part, are carefully crushed in a blender or cut with a knife. Fall asleep in a glass jar. Fill with vodka and seal tightly. Insist tincture in a cool place protected from sunlight for 7 days, shaking from time to time. Then filter and store tightly closed for no longer than a year. To prepare a tincture of a lower strength, add 100 ml of water, and double the exposure time – up to 14 days.
Melissa tincture on alcohol
Ingredients:
- crushed leaf – 50-60 g;
- alcohol 40 ° – 150 ml;
- water – 100 ml.
Recipe: washed fresh leaves are dried and crushed. Put on the bottom of a glass jar. Add water and alcohol. Cover tightly with a lid and put in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. Then they filter.
Melissa tincture instructions
The standard dosage regimen is 15 drops with a little water. Frequency – three times a day, fifteen minutes before meals. The duration of treatment is 1 month. After a two-week break, the course can be repeated. This is a universal application recommended for heart disease, hypertension, headache and joint pain, insomnia, neurosis and memory problems, diseases of the digestive system and “female” diseases.
Alcohol tincture of lemon balm is used for colds, low immunity, heart disorders, neurosis, 20-30 drops three times a day. Each serving is diluted in 100 ml of water.
Externally, lemon balm tincture on vodka or alcohol is used in pure form or diluted with water in the form of rubbing, compresses for treating painful and affected areas, acne and skin irritations.
Contraindications to the use of lemon balm tincture
The plant has a low toxicity, but there are a number of specific contraindications:
- you can not use lemon balm for hypotension;
- with individual intolerance;
- epilepsy and fever of unknown origin;
- renal failure;
- pregnancy and feeding;
- in childhood (for alcohol infusions up to 12 years old, for water up to 3 years old).
It is dangerous to use lemon balm tincture in combination with activities that require increased attention and reaction (driving vehicles, operating machines and mechanisms).
With prolonged use, side effects such as dizziness, lethargy, drowsiness, decreased concentration, diarrhea, muscle weakness are possible.
Attention! Self-medication can be hazardous to health. Before use, consult your doctor.