| Latin Name : | Melissa officinalis |
| English Name : | Melissa, Lemon Balm, Bee Balm |
| French Name : | Mélisse officinale |
| Family : | Lamiaceae |
| Origin : | Canada, India, Bulgaria, France |
History and Origin
Melissa is indigenous around the Mediterranean sea. It is now common in Europe, Central Asia, North America, North Africa, and Western Siberia. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, more or less pubescent, with a strong lemon aroma. Melissa is one of most ancient medicinal plants. It was originally used mainly to treat nervous and cardiac problems as well as to act on the level of emotions (to treat anxiety, melancholy, etc.) as well as to reinforce and vitalize the spirit. In Native herbalism, it is used by the Cherokee as a cold remedy, febrifuge, stimulant and gastrointestinal aid.