Melissa (Balkan) Essential Oil
- Distillation Method: Steam
- Country of Origin: Balkan Peninsula
- Plant Part: Fresh leaves
- Latin Name: Melissa officinalis
- Cultivation: Naturally Grown
About the Oil: Melissa oil is considered one of the most powerfully medicinal essential oils in all of aromatherapy, with a wonderfully pleasant, sweet, herbaceous aroma.
Out of stock
| Chemical Families | |
|---|---|
| Sesquiterpene | N/A |
| Aldehyde | N/A |
| Monoterpene | N/A |
| Primary Constituents | |
|---|---|
| beta caryophyllene | 30.01% |
| germacrene D | 15.00% |
| alpha citral | 11.73% |
| beta citral | 7.90% |
| citronellal | 7.90% |
| . | . |
Properties
Product Description
About The Plant
The word 'Melissa' is Greek for 'Honey Bee', as this perennial herb was planted near beehives to promote complex notes in honey production. Melissa officinalis 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
A great deal of oil sold as Melissa today is actually a blend of lemongrass and citronella oils – 'true' Melissa oil has its own unique aroma and properties. Melissa'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.
Of Interest
Melissa was called the 'elixir of life' by Avincenna, the great Persian polymath. The herb was particularly associated with nervous disorders, the heart, and emotions and was used for anxiety, melancholy, and to strengthen and revive the vital spirit.
Therapeutic Properties
SKIN CARE
Neutralizes microbes
Indicated for: oily skin, acne
IMMUNE SYSTEM
Neutralizes microbes
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Encourages deep breathing
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Helps maintain healthy function of the gall bladder
Reduces the incidence and severity of vomiting and nausea
Settles digestion
Increases absorption in the intestines
Promotes normal peristalsis
Assists the body's natural eliminatory response
Regulates the digestive system
Stimulates the liver
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Decreases blood circulation
Helps to relieve stress
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Relaxes cramping
Eases discomfort
Decreases unpleasant sensory experiences
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Calms the nervous system
Lessens anxiety
Reduces stress
Uplifting
Improves mood
Promotes sleep
Alleviates restlessness
ENERGETICS
Melissa is cooling and drying and is indicated for stagnation of Qi and for reducing heat in the liver and heart.
SUBTLE AROMATHERAPY
Melissa is very gentle on the emotions, and can bring out this quality in an individual. Calming and uplifting, it may relieve headaches and help balance the emotions. Further, it may help release emotional blocks and lead to an improved outlook on life.
Melissa essential oil is recommended for the heart chakra and can be used to expand feelings of love towards the total acceptance of unconditional love. It provides great comfort during bereavement and promotes the sensitivity and intuition to help us find inner contentment and strengthen the ‘wisdom of the heart'.
Application
INHALATION
Direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer
TOPICAL
Massage, ointment, skincare
Useful for oily skin and acne, Melissa essential oil should be highly diluted in skincare.
Aromatherapy Details
This Melissa essential oil has a sweet lemon top note, grassy and minted middle notes with an undertone of balsamic and Cedarwood.
Melissa oil blends well with: Geranium Oil, Lavender Oil, Orange Oil, and Lemon Oil.
Safety
Generally non-toxic, but a possible sensitizer and dermal irritant. Always test a small amount first for sensitivity or allergic reaction.
If pregnant consult with a physician prior to use.
