Melissa officinalis essential oil (also known as Melissa essential oil) has a great variety of possible effects. The word Melissa is Greek for Honey Bee, Melissa having been planted near bee hives to produce the most delicious honey. Lemon Balmoil is considered one of the most powerfully medicinal essential oils in all of aromatherapy, with a wonderfully pleasant sweet, herbaceous aroma.
A great deal of oil sold as Melissa officinalis today is actually a blend of lemongrass and citronella oils - true Melissa officinalis oil has its own unique aroma and properties. Melissa officinalis s high cost is a result of needing 3.5 to 7.5 tons of plant material to produce 1 pound of essential oil. The resulting oil from this sweet-smelling herb is a pale yellow liquid with a light, fresh lemony aroma. Melissa oil offered at exceptionally low prices is likely to be adulterated in some way, and will not have the medicinal properties of the true essential oil.
Melissa was called the elixir of life by Avincenna, the ancient Roman physician. 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.
Melissa is a strong antiviral - a doctor at the Technical University of Munich reported that application caused a complete remission of Herpes Simplex lesions. A component of Melissa oil was isolated and is sold in Lomaherpan cream in Germany, though the oil can effectively used alone. While it is expensive, only one drop at a time is needed on lesions to promote remission. A drop can be applied directly on the area a few times a day to speed healing, and again when an outbreak is soon to occur - following this protocol was shown to prevent further outbreaks in a significant portion of study participants.
At the same time, Melissa is very gentle on the emotions, and can bring out this quality in a individual. Melissa oil is said to be calming and uplifting, may relieve headaches, and may help balance the emotions.
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Suggested Uses: |
Diffuse or apply topically. For external application, melissa essential oil may be highly diluted, up to 1:100 in carrier oil and be very effective. Can be applied directly to herpes outbreaks, and used in a 10% dilution if this feels too strong. | |
| Possible Actions: | Has been traditionally used for calming, sedative, anti-viral, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, choleretic. | |
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Possible Indications: |
Can offer support in cases of high blood pressure or hypertension, cold-sore blisters, asthma, eczema, menstrual disorders, menopause, depression, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, headaches, digestive disorders, dyspepsia, gastric spasm, dysentery, nausea. | |
| Cautions: | Always test a small amount of essential oil first for sensitivity or allergic reaction. If pregnant or under a doctors care, consult a physician. Dilute for external use. According to the liturature, no toxicity for Melissa is known. | |
PACKING:
Traditional production of essential oils
