Melissa essential oil
Melissa officinalis
Melissa essential oil, derived from the leaves and flowering tops of Melissa officinalis (commonly known as lemon balm), has a rich history of medicinal and spiritual applications. This versatile oil is well-regarded for its calming aroma, therapeutic properties, and its significance in traditional remedies. The essential oil offers a sweet, citrusy fragrance with hints of herbs, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy and personal care products.
A Brief History of Melissa Essential Oil
The use of lemon balm dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. Renowned physicians like Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder praised its healing properties. Throughout the Middle Ages, Melissa was widely cultivated in European monasteries for its medicinal value. Monks prepared elixirs and tinctures from the plant, believing it could ward off melancholy and improve longevity. In Arabic culture, lemon balm was valued for its calming effects and was often used in teas and infusions. Over time, Melissa became a staple in herbal medicine across Europe, especially in France, where it was a key ingredient in Carmelite water, a famous tonic for stress relief.
How Melissa Essential Oil Is Made
Melissa essential oil is produced through steam distillation of the plant’s leaves and flowering tops. Because the plant contains a low percentage of essential oil, a significant amount of raw material is needed to produce a small quantity of oil. This makes Melissa essential oil one of the most expensive oils on the market. Its rarity and potency contribute to its high value.
Scent description
Citrusy, herbaceous
Usage
Inhaled | topically | internally
Effects, use cases
Antioxidant | antibacterial | antidepressant | sedative | antispasmodic | antihistamine | antiviral | anti-inflammatory | fever | colds | herpes | depression | nervousness | stings | allergies | high blood pressure | dizziness | eczema | infertility | upset stomach
Disclaimer: always check the manufacturer's recommendation before using any essential oils internally or topically!
Warning, safety cautions
Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease, nor do they replace medications or therapies prescribed by a physician. They are not medicinal products and do not qualify as drugs. Based on experience, essential oils may have complementary therapeutic effects. If you are unsure about how an essential oil might affect you or your child, consult your general practitioner and/or a qualified aromatherapist. Before using any new essential oil (especially internally or directly on the skin), perform a patch test.
Use and health effects of melissa essential oil
Melissa essential oil has long been used for its health-boosting properties. Melissa essential oil is a staple in aromatherapy due to its uplifting and calming scent. Its aroma is believed to balance emotions, reduce nervous tension, and enhance mental clarity. When diffused, it creates a peaceful atmosphere that promotes well-being.
Stress Relief and Anxiety Reduction
Melissa essential oil is renowned for its calming properties. Inhaling its aroma or applying it topically can help reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that it can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and promote relaxation.
Improved Sleep Quality
Due to its sedative effects, Melissa oil is often used as a natural remedy for insomnia. Diffusing the oil in the bedroom or adding a few drops to a bedtime bath can improve sleep quality and help individuals fall asleep faster.
Digestive Health
Traditionally, lemon balm has been used to treat digestive disorders. Melissa essential oil can help relieve indigestion, bloating, and nausea. Massaging the abdomen with diluted Melissa oil may stimulate the digestive system and ease discomfort.
Antiviral Properties
Melissa essential oil has shown antiviral activity, particularly against the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Applying a diluted form of the oil to cold sores can reduce healing time and prevent future outbreaks.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Thanks to its high content of beta-caryophyllene and citral, Melissa essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It may be beneficial for soothing skin irritations, insect bites, and minor wounds.
How to use melissa essential oil?
Fever
Mix 1-2 drops in a carrier oil and apply to the spine, massage into the soles of the feet or take 1 drop in an empty capsule.
Dizziness
Apply behind the ears or take 1 drop in an empty capsule.
Herpes
Apply directly to the area or take 1 drop in an empty capsule.
Infertility
Mix 1-2 drops in a carrier oil and apply to the abdomen or waist area or take 1 drop in an empty capsule as a cure.
Depression, nervousness
Apply directly to the back of the neck and behind the ears, diffuse 3-4 drops with a diffuser or place on your tongue, press to the roof of your mouth and hold for 5-10 seconds.
Stings
Apply directly to the sting.
Eczema
Mix 1-2 drops in a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
Allergies
Inhale 1 drop directly from your palm or apply to the bridge of your nose and massage the soles of your feet with carrier oil. Take 1 drop in an empty capsule.
Upset stomach
Take 1 drop in an empty capsule or massage into your abdomen with carrier oil.
High blood pressure
Diffuse 3-4 drops, take 1 drop in an empty capsule, or apply to the back of your neck and above your heart.
Disclaimer: always check the manufacturer's recommendation before using any essential oils internally or topically!
Warning, safety cautions
Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease, nor do they replace medications or therapies prescribed by a physician. They are not medicinal products and do not qualify as drugs. Based on experience, essential oils may have complementary therapeutic effects. If you are unsure about how an essential oil might affect you or your child, consult your general practitioner and/or a qualified aromatherapist. Before using any new essential oil (especially internally or directly on the skin), perform a patch test.
Melissa essential oil – spirituality and soul
The oil of women
The ancient Greeks associated the plant with Artemis, the goddess of the wilderness and protector of women.
Purifying
In Christian traditions, lemon balm was often grown in monastery gardens and used in religious rituals for its purifying properties.
Positive energies
Today, Melissa essential oil is sometimes used in meditation and energy-clearing practices. Its gentle yet powerful aroma is thought to help dispel negative emotions and foster a sense of inner peace.
Recommended manufacturers of Melissa essential oil
dōTERRA
This essential oil is currently available from dōTERRA.
For further information, visit the dōTERRA website.
Young Living
Young Living is currently selling this essential oil.
For further information, visit the Young Living website.
Contact info
Author:
Roseware Kft. - Réka Rózsáné Illés
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