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Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
The word 'Melissa' is Greek for 'bee', as this perennial herb was planted near beehives to promote complex notes in honey production. It is twiggy and reaches heights of 23 inches with serrated leaves and extremely small pink, white or yellow flowers. Also known as 'Lemon Balm' and 'Bee Balm', Melissa is a native to the Mediterranean region and is now in abundant cultivation throughout the world.
About the Oil
Melissa is considered one of the most powerfully medicinal essential oils in all of aromatherapy.It takes 3.5 to 7.5 tons of plant material to produce 1 pound of this precious and pure Melissa essential oil. Our pale yellow oil is steam distilled from the fresh leaves and tops of plants organically grown in Bulgaria.
NOTE: A good portion of essential oils labeled "Melissa" are actually a blend of Lemongrass and Citronella. Be aware that Melissa oil offered at exceptionally low prices is likely to be a blend of oils and synthetic compounds, and therefore will not possesses the medicinal properties of the true essential oil.
Aromatherapy Notes
This Melissa essential oil has a sweet lemon top note, grassy and minted middle notes with an undertone of balsamic and Cedarwood.It blends well with Geranium, Lavender, Orange and Lemon Oils.
Traditional Uses
Melissa was called the 'elixir of life' by ancient Roman physicians. The herb was associated particularly with nervous disorders, the heart, and emotions. Melissa was used for anxiety, melancholy, and to strengthen and revive the vital spirit.Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature
Analgesic, Antidepressant, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Calmative, Carminative, Choleretic, Hypotensive, Litholytic, Stimulant (digestive), Vasodilator. (See Definitions.)
"Displaying an astoundingly complex balance of power, and gentleness, a strong antiviral with a soothing but pervasive sedative power is difficult to imagine; it must be experienced." - Eric Cech (Director, Synergy Essentials)
- Melissa essential oil also perfectly illustrates how the natural world produces elixirs that function drastically more effectively than one-dimensional synthetic medicines: A doctor at the Technical University of Munich reported that application of Melissa oil caused a complete remission of Herpes Simplex lesions.
- Melissa oil also works to calm overactive thyroid (Graves' disease), according to Eric Yarnell, ND, an assistant professor of botanical medicine at Bastyr University.
Psychological:
- Calming and uplifting
- Helps balance the emotions
- Releases emotional blockages
- Powerful antidepressant
Nervous System:
- Counteracts insomnia
- Quells anger, irritation and restlessness
Four weeks of aromatherapy treatment using Melissa essential oil reportedly decreased agitation in patients with severe dementia, reports a 2002 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
Four months of treatment significantly reduced dementia and agitation in Alzheimer's patients, according to a 2003 article in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry.
Digestive System:
- Quells nausea and indigestion, especially when associated with nervous tension.
- Stimulates the liver and gallbladder
Circulatory System:
- Employed in cases of tacchycardia to slow the heart beat, and relieve palpitations.
- Lowers blood pressure.
Application and Use
Topical:
- To promote treatment and healing of herpes, just one drop of Melissa need be applied directly on the area a few times a day and can also deter an outbreak. Blend 1 part Geranium Oil, 1 part Melissa Oil, 1 part Lavender Oil, 10 parts Tea Tree Oil - apply to affected area undiluted 3 times a day; once skin dries and tightens, add mixture to 9 parts Almond Oil.
Ingestion:
- To gain the other health benefits, a daily tea made with one-half to one full dropper of tincture or 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb steeped in 1 cup of hot water for 5 to10 minutes.
Inhalation:
- A few drops of oil in a diffuser or humidifier can greatly benefit the psychological and nervous system.
Safety
A non-toxic oil, Melissa can cause skin irritation in some individuals and therefore must be used in significant dilution (in water or carrier oil).