477. Melissa.—Balm.
Botanical name:
477. MELISSA.—BALM. The leaves and tops of Melis'sa officina'lis Linné. Official U.S.P. 1890. Margin of leaves crenate, serrate, base rounded or rather heart-shaped, somewhat hairy; flowers in about four-flowered cymules, whitish or purplish; aromatic, astringent, and bitterish. Constituents: Volatile oil about 0.1 per cent., containing citral and citronellal. Carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic. Dose: 15 to 60 gr. (1 to 4 Gm.), in infusion or decoction.
