Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis.

Melissa is a plant native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, which blooms in summer and is highly prized for its characteristic lemon scent, for its natural properties to relieve certain conditions and for its use in the perfumery. This plant grows wild in forests, wet meadows, rivers and sometimes in cultivated fields but certainly on soils with a lot of organic matter.

It is also known as "lemongrass" and "lemon leaf", its use is enormous and is due to its composition rich in vitamins and minerals. Its leaves contain essential oils, bitterness, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, stearin and organic acids, it also contains vitamins B, C, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, selenium, zinc, manganese, among others.

This plant can last more than two years if we give it the necessary care, such as a favorable environment and away insects that may harm it. It is cultivated in Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and other South American countries, in Argentina it is widely used to aromatize mate.

Benefits.

• Excellent for treating insomnia.
• Stimulates and promotes concentration.
• Reduce muscle spasms.
• Relieves headaches, tooth and migraine.
• Prevents digestive problems.
• It is diuretic.
• Eliminates bad breath.
• It relieves vomiting, nausea, dizziness and menstrual pains.
• Relieves colds, flu and cough.
• Decreases symptoms of anxiety, tension and stress.
• It has antiviral effects.
• Among others.

How to prepare melissa tea.

We need:

• Leaves.
• 1 cup of water.
• Lemon.
• Honey.

Preparation.

1. Boil the water.
2. Add the leaves and let boil 1 minute.
3. Turn off the heat and strain.
4. Squeeze a lemon.
5. Sweeten with honey.
6. Drink 1 cup at night.

Melissa cultivation.

• They develop in cooler climates, so it is recommended to plant it in spring and late summer when the weather is cool.

• It spreads through seeds or by pieces of roots.

• Melissa can be grown in a large pot that is at least 15 to 20 cm long and wide, and keep it in a place that receives plenty of sun during the day.

• This plant grows best in places that receive a lot of sun. However, it also partially supports the shadow.

• This crop requires soil with abundant and well drained organic matter. Ideally, the earth has a pH between 6 and 7.5.

• You don't need much fertilizer for your healthy growth.

• Melissa seeds are spread in the soil at a depth of 0.5 cm as are the seedlings.

• It requires constantly moist soil in order to grow healthy, therefore you should water every day, but avoid puddles.

• To harvest melissa you just have to remove some twigs from the plant.

Recommendations.

• Consult the doctor before leaving for natural medicine.
• Its consumption is not recommended at:

1. Pregnant women.
2. People suffering from hypothyroidism, ulcers, psychiatric diseases.
3. Patients medicated with a sedative, calming or antidepressant drug.

• Do not exceed the recommended dose.