Other names: Bee balm, Balm gentle, Cure-all, Dropsy plant, Honey plant
Flower colour: White
Flowering: June - October
Height: 0,30 - 1 m
Active ingredients: Essential oils, phenolic acids, triterpene acids, flavonoids, bitter substances, tannins.
Used parts: The leaves, harvested before the flowering
Common balm has been used since a long time ago. The ancient Greeks used this plant to strengthen the memory, to bring comfort and to dispel dejection. According to Dioscorides, common balm could also have a relaxing effect on the muscles and he said that woman with menstruation issues should take a relaxing bath with this plant. In the same period, the first century Anno Domini, Plinius the Elder said that Melissa Officinalis was a good medicine for people suffering hypochondria or hysteria. Furthermore, he said that it could soften the mind and that it could bring sweet dreams. This last effect was sort of repeated by Galenus, who said that it could improve ones sleep. Galenus also used Balm against palpitations. In history there have been much more people who promoted Melissa Officinalis as a soothing plant that can make you happy and that strengthens the mind. In the middle ages the plant became also known as a magical one that would be used by witches. It is also said that Balm could help with finding love; A love potion could be made by macerating it in red wine. Though it would also work to just carry Melissa Officinalis with you.
Nowadays Common balm is used to to help relax, to soothen the muscles, to boost the brain, to help against head aches and to stop palpitations. Furthermore, it helps to get to sleep and it is used against anxieties, depression, sleeplessnes and ADHD. And, as already known in history, it makes you happy. Lastly, Melissa Officinalis has a soothing effect on the stomach.
Small amounts of Balm can already work good.
If you have hypotension, only use this plant if a qualified doctor says you should.
Do NOT use the essential oils if you are pregnant.
Do NOT use Melissa Officinalis if you have hypothyroidism (reduced function of the thyroid).
If you use medicines that effect the thyroid, only use this plant if a qualified doctor says you should.
If you use sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics, only use Balm if a qualified doctor agrees on the use of the plant.
If you use medicines that lower the blood pressure or that thin the blood, only use this plant if a qualified doctor says that you should.