Melissa, also known as lemon balm, is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family.
It has a number of healing properties that have been valued in traditional and folk medicine for centuries.
Since ancient times, Melissa has been used to improve digestion, relieve stress, and enhance sleep due to its calming and relaxing qualities.
This plant contains complexes of essential oils, including citral and citronellal, which have a stress-relieving effect, help reduce anxiety levels, and improve sleep quality.
In addition, Melissa is rich in various bioactive substances that give it powerful antioxidant properties.
It contains flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and tannins that help neutralize free radicals and support overall health.
Melissa contains B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which are necessary for maintaining energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and cell protection against oxidative stress.
The leaves of the plant contain potassium, magnesium, and calcium, important for the cardiovascular system, as well as iron, necessary for preventing anemia.
Incorporating Melissa into your diet can help improve digestion due to its antispasmodic and cholagogue properties.
Additionally, Melissa has mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful for colds and viral infections.
Nutritional Value
Melissa has a low glycemic index and minimal glycemic load, making it suitable for inclusion in the menu of a ketogenic diet.
In terms of macronutrients, Melissa is a low-calorie plant with carbohydrate content that will not disrupt ketosis when consumed moderately.
The carbohydrates in Melissa are mainly dietary fibers, which are not absorbed by the body and do not affect blood sugar levels.
How to Store Melissa
Proper humidity and temperature are important for storing fresh Melissa.
Fresh leaves can be wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag with small ventilation holes.
This way, Melissa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
For long-term storage, Melissa can be frozen or dried.
Freezing. Wash, dry, and chop the Melissa. Then distribute the chopped Melissa in ice cube trays, fill with water, and freeze.
Frozen cubes can be stored in a sealed container in the freezer.
Drying. The leaves of Melissa can be dried in a shady, well-ventilated place or using a dehydrator.
Dried leaves should be stored in airtight containers in a dark, dry place.
This way, Melissa will retain its aromatic properties for many months.
