Most people have probably never heard of an essential oil called Melissa. So what is it and why would you need it? Well, let’s dig into some information about it and I’ll tell you what you can do with it and I’m sure by the end, you will want to include it in your natural medicine cabinet!
The Latin name is Melissa officianalis.
It’s steam distilled from the flowers and leaves of the plant and originates in Europe and South Africa. It’s made up of four chemical families – Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes, Monoterpenols and Aldehydes. What does this means for you?
Monoterpenes tend to be uplifting and energetic. Most have an antiseptic effect. They also absorb into the skin easily and quickly.
Sesquiterpenes tend to be energetically and emotionally grounding, calming and centering.
Monoterpenols are often anti-infectious agents being antibacterial and anti fungal.
Aldehydes tend to be anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Can also have a sedative effect.
The aroma is strong, citrusy with some herbal notes. It’s a non-toxic oil but can cause irritation to sensitive skin. Use in low dilutions. Do not use on children under the age of 2. Avoid use if pregnant. Although Robert Tisserand states you can use when pregnant if you keep your dilution under 0.5% on the skin, I prefer to recommend avoidance as a precaution.
My favorite use of Melissa is for my cold sore I get. Yes, I know, herpes. Yuck. But, when I have an outbreak, I use the following recipe. Into a tsp of aloe Vera gel I Add 1d Melissa, 1d Eucalyptus and 1d Tea Tree. I just keep in in a little plastic cup. Then I just dab it onto the cold sore several times a day.
Melissa also aids in reducing insomnia, reducing anxiety, offer comfort during grieving, calm agitates emotions and open the mind.
The therapeutic properties are plentiful! Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antidepressant , Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antiviral, CNS sedative, Cooling, Febrifuge, Immunostimulant.
Blends well with Geranium, Helichrysum, Palmarosa, Rosewood, Lavender, Vetiver and Patchouli. You could make a nice diffuser blend to provide immune support or mental health support.
It can be used in blends for aches and pains due to it’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. Can also be helpful for swelling or infections. Just be sure to add it into a carrier such as Jojoba oil or a lotion.
Melissa can also prove to be a strong sedative to help with stress and even aid in reducing heart palpitations. Try an inhaler with Melissa and add any combination of Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Chamomile or Patchouli. For a personal inhaler, keep your drops at 15 for safe usage.
So as you can see, although Melissa is not an essential oil that gets as much air time as say, Lavender, it’s still a powerhouse that you should consider using and adding to your arsenal of oils.
Until next time friends, Much Aromalove <3
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. My products and posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases. They are not a replacement for doctor prescribed treatment and medication. Not intended for use on small children unless otherwise noted. If you are pregnant, nursing or under the care of a physician for chronic issues, please consult them prior to trying any essential oil products. All products/recommendations are for external use only.
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