Melissa Essential Oil

Having its place in the mint family, Melissa officinalis possesses square stems and heart-shaped or ovate leaves which emit a lemony aroma when rubbed. Yellowish or white axillary spikes appear in summer.

The essential oil is produced by steam distilling the fresh twigs, leaves, and buds of Melissa officinalis. The oil bears a sweet, very fresh, and citrus-resembling scent.

Melissa oil comprises over 70 active compounds, such as neral, geranial, citronellal, and germacrene, which form around 96% of the oil.

Pregnant or nursing ladies should evade using the oil as it acts as an emmenagogue. For sensitive skin, it is advisable to dilute Melissa oil with jojoba or coconut oil (which are carrier oils) before application.

With its ability to positively impact our moods, Melissa oil is frequently used to calm down nervousness feelings, promote relaxation, and reduce tense feelings.

Also referred to as lemon balm, Melissa officinalis owes its name to its fresh, sweet, and citrus-like aroma known to woo bees. In Greek, Melissa means “honey”.

Melissa officinalis L. is an herbal medicine, hailing from the regions of Western Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean. Traditionally utilized for various medical purposes, including carminative, tonic, antispasmodic, and sedative, it is also used to relief stress-induced headaches and strengthen the memory.

Ancient times saw its use sprawl from being a tonic in France to ultimately being known as “The Life’s Elixir” in Switzerland and Germany.

Combines well with:

The preferred application amount is between one and two drops. The oil blends wonderfully with rose, geranium, Ylang-ylang, lavender, basil, chamomile, and Frankincense oils.

The leaves of Melissa officinalis exhibit antispasmodic, calming, and heart-strengthening effects, as well as anti-inflammatory characteristics.

Melissa oil was called “The Nectar of Life” or the “Life’s Elixir” in the Middle Ages since it possesses potent antidepressant and mood lifting properties, as well as effectively chases away sadness and depression and invokes hope and joy. It is also cordial because the oil provides actual warmth and warm feelings to our cardiovascular and respiratory systems, thus individuals might escape colds utilizing the oil.

The Melissa oil, cultivated in Algeria, is also proven to demonstrate powerful antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus pumilis, and Listeria innocua, among others. Besides, it is quite effective in the battle against fungi, as well as various human phytopathogenic and pathogenic microbial strains.

Research tells us that the oil of Melissa acts as a strong anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic agent owing that to the increased metabolism and glucose uptake of the liver. A study, distributed in the British Journal of Nutrition, has showed that Melissa essential oil considerably decreased the levels of blood glucose, enhanced the glucose tolerance, and lead to largely higher levels of serum insulin, which is capable of reducing diabetes symptoms.

Melissa oil is seen as a stomachic because it aids in smoothening the stomach functioning and eases up the digestion. Furthermore, it is very beneficial for curing wounds, ulcers, or scratches in the stomach, as well as contributes to the proper flow of bile and gastric juices into the stomach, thus protecting it from any infections.

A Journal of Nutrition study from 2012 suggested that ingesting the oil of Melissa could lead to beneficial effects on our metabolism. The study also found that Melissa oil slowed down the synthesis of fatty acids, thereby decreasing triglyceride levels.

Another research from the Nursing and Midwifery Studies demonstrated that the intake of Melissa oil capsules, measuring 1,200 milligrams, considerably reduces PMS symptoms in high school girls.

Melissa essential oil also provides sudorific and diaphoretic activities which foster perspiration and sweating. Next to promoting clean and “breathing” skin, these properties are a great way to get rid of dangerous toxins and detrimental gases, such as Nitrogen. Sweating and perspiration also help for the overall cooling down of our bodies when they are overheated. Possessing sudorific properties, the oil is also essential in the combat against microbial and bacterial infections which cause fever, thus its febrifuge characteristics.

Melissa oil’s hypotensive functions are immensely beneficial for hypertensive people who are frequently on the verge of having a brain hemorrhage or heart attack every time their blood pressure rises. In this regard, the oil is effective in bringing the blood pressure down.

Therapeutic use

Melissa officinalis L. teems with healthy properties, including stomachic, anti-inflammatory, sudorific, antidiabetic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, and tonic effects, among others.

Download the technical documents below.

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