Melissa Oil is also known by the name Lemon Balm. This essential oil is also known in Latin as Melissa Officinalis. Melissa can be grown in iron-rich soils all over the globe. Melissa is most often found in the Mediterranean region. Actually, Melissa is Greek for Honey Bee. Melissa can still be found near honeybeehives, where she assists bees in producing sweet, rich, and delicious honey.
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The plant is approximately 2 feet tall (60 cm). It has small, pink flowers but larger, more green leaves. Fresh Melissa smells sweet, soft, and lemon-like. Melissa is a note that can be classified as either a top or middle note. Essential oils with floral or spicy aromas can be considered middle notes. They may help promote emotional balance.
Top notes are essential oils that have a refreshing and stimulating effect on the mind. Melissa oil is unique because it combines the benefits of both these notes. People who use it to help with anxiety, depression and panic attacks, as well as stress, anxiety, panic, hypertension, insomnia, and hysteria are often drawn to it. It is used to treat cold sores and migraine headaches, as well as stomach problems, allergies, stomach upsets, stomach cramps, heartburn, asthma, bronchitis, eczema, high pressure, asthma, bronchitis, and recurring coughs.
Good to know
Melissa oil has been used for years by women to ease irregular periods and discomforts. It may also have mild antibacterial and antifungal properties. Melissa oil can be added to warm baths to help with overwhelm.
Melissa oil can be mixed with: Geranium Oil, Lavender Oil, Orange Oil, Lemon Oil. Basil Oil, Rose Oil, Frankincense Oil, Ylang-ylang Oil. It is important to buy high-quality Melissa oil. Pure Melissa oil costs six to seven tons of botanical material (flowering stems, leaves, and flowering tops) required to make one pound.
Final note
Melissa oil, although it may be sold at a lower price, may contain cheaper oils or not contain any Melissa oil. Companies often sell Melissa oil as a mixture of lemongrass and citronella oils. These cheaper blends don’t have the same powerful properties of genuine Melissa oil. You get what you pay when you buy “Melissa oil”. Chemically, Melissa oil contains trans-ocimene and cis-ocimene. Melissa oil is not toxic. It can cause irritation and sensitization so it should only be used in low amounts. Pure Melissa oil can either be dilute in carrier oil to a maximum of 1 part per 100, or applied topically for therapeutic purposes, it may be more beneficial if dilute to 10 parts per 100. Melissa oil should be avoided in pregnancy and for people with sensitive skin.