Application
Calming and as a light sleeping aid. Combats flatulence.
In medieval monastic medicine, lemon balm was used for depression and eye disorders, rashes, stomachaches, restless uterus and as a tonic for the heart and hair.
Hjertensfryd has had, and still has, many uses as a natural medicine. In the past, for example, people drank Hjertensfryd beer, which had an invigorating effect and was especially good for women. Problems with menstruation and the uterus were treated with Hjertensfryd preparations. It was also supposed to prevent hair from turning gray.
The plant is still used as a diaphoretic, menstrual stimulant and heart tonic. It is also used for painful menstruation, colic, migraines, nervousness and insomnia.
Hjertensfryd spirit is used against milk lumps in the breasts and bruises.
Today, sweet pea is also used in the perfume industry, for liqueur production and as a herb in the garden.
The essential oils have antispasmodic and antibacterial properties, while the polyphenols and tannic acid are believed to have beneficial effects against viral diseases such as cold sores and mumps.
The essential oil is called citronella oil and contains a number of different terpenes, including citronellol and citral. The essential oil has a calming and relaxing effect. Aromatherapy with citronella oil has shown a positive effect on Alzheimer's patients. Citronella oil has a mosquito repellent effect. A synthetic form of citronella oil is used in mosquito candles.
Lemon balm tea is made by steeping 2 tablespoons of leaves in ½ liter of boiling water. This is enough for a daily dose. A cold infusion can be made from 4 tablespoons of leaves in ½ liter of water. The leaves should steep in the water for 8 hours.
Ingredients
Essential oils with citral and citronellal, as well as eugenol, tannic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, etc.
Photo of page in Joachim Burser's herbarium.
