Melissa

Species name: Melissa oil is extracted from Melissa officinalis of the Labiatae family.

Also known as: Melissa is also known as balm, bee balm, lemon balm, and common and sweet balm.

The name 'Melissa' is Greek for ‘honeybee’ and is also called ‘lemon balm' or in Hebrew 'Bal-Smin’.  Melissa oil is extracted from the fresh flowering tops, leaves and stems by steam distillation.

Home Remedies using Melissa Essential Oil:

Benefits of Melissa Essential Oil:

In aromatherapy, melissa oil helps to calm and sedate those who are agitated. 

It reduces heart rate and stops palpitations of the heart. It is known to correct menstrual problems, fights herpes simplex type I, very well, and is effective in combating fungal infections.

The therapeutic properties of melissa oil are to relieve depression and melancholy, to relieve spasms in the colon and bowels, as well as the spasms in the stomach and esophagus that cause nausea and vomiting. 

Melissa oil induces sweating, lowers blood pressure, and has a tonic effect on the body. Melissa regulates and helps relieve painful periods.

Melissa oil is a good digestive aid, and helps relieve the symptoms of excess gas, stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

It can also help bring down fevers.  If used at the first sign of symptoms, it can help lessen the severity of herpes outbreaks.

• In aromatherapy, melissa essential oil is used in a diffuser, a simmer pot, or in steam bath therapy.  It is a very good inhalation therapy for nausea and vomiting.
• Melissa essential oil can be blended with other oils and/or carrier oil to formulate effective massage oil.  A few drops can be added to warm baths for reducing temperatures, easing headache pain, alleviating stress, and to promote relaxation.
• The large amount of aldehyde in melissa oil may cause reactions in individuals who have allergies to melissa, but it is effective against fungi, to stop bleeding, and cleanse bleeding wounds. Although essential oils blend well with one another, melissa oil blends particularly well with basil, roman chamomile, rose, geranium, frankincense, lavender and ylang-ylang.

Melissa Essential Oil has been shown to be helpful in stopping the herpes virus. The National Institutes of Health reported that Melissa/Lemon Balm oil has a antiviral effect on the herpes virus and is effective for topical treatment of herpes outbreaks.

Side Effects of Melissa Essential Oil:

Melissa oil is not considered a toxin, but has caused sensitization reactions in sensitive individuals, and can be irritating to the skin. 

Melissa should always be diluted according to package directions before use.  Melissa should not be used during pregnancy. 

Never use more than five drops per ounce of carrier, or three drops in a bath.