With a sweet lemon fragrance, the Melissa plant, also known as Melissa officinalis or lemon balm, is the herbaceous origin of Melissa essential oil. This rare oil is extracted from the leaf of the Melissa plant and is cherished by many for its large array of uses and benefits. Melissa essential oil contains strong soothing properties. When used aromatically or topically, it can help promote feelings of relaxation and can assist in calming tension and nerves. Melissa oil is also valued for its fresh, sweet, and citrus-like aroma. In the kitchen, Melissa oil can be used to flavor a variety of different foods and drinks such as teas, ice cream, and some fish dishes. Taking Melissa oil internally may help support a healthy immune system.

Melissa Essential Oil Facts

This treasured oil is frequently used in skincare products due to its anti-inflammatory properties on irritated skin. Historically, it was used for nervous disorders and other aliments dealing with emotions.

Only a very small amount of oil is produced during the distillation process of lemon balm, causing this oil to be high priced. Be sure to buy only from a reputable source. Only a small amount of oil is needed to enjoy its amazing properties.

Main Constituents – Geranial, germacrene, neral, β β-caryophyllene

Melissa Oil Uses and Benefits

• One of Melissa oil’s most prominent health benefits is that it may help support a healthy immune system. To obtain this powerful bodily assistance, dilute one drop of Melissa into 4 fl. oz. of liquid and drink. You can also take Melissa internally by putting Melissa oil into a veggie capsule and ingesting it like a dietary supplement.
• Two of the main chemical constituents of Melissa are geranial and neral. These two chemicals contain soothing properties that make this essential oil a perfect oil for relaxation. For optimal relaxation, apply Melissa oil topically or put a few drops of Melissa oil into a diffuser.
• Don’t let nerves ruin your big moment. Before a nerve-wracking speech, presentation, or performance, apply one to two drops of Melissa to the palms of your hands and cup your hands over your nose and inhale. Melissa oil is great for calming tension and nerves and will prove to be a powerful aid during those anxious occasions.
• Give your skin an invigorating boost by applying Melissa. Add Melissa oil to your moisturiser or to a spray bottle with water and spritz your face. This simple essential oil addition will give your skin a rejuvenated feeling and will help refresh the mind.
• After a long day, let your mind and body relax and unwind with a little help from Melissa. For relieving results, rub Melissa oil on your forehead, shoulders, or chest. Applying Melissa will help lessen feelings of stress and promote emotional well-being.
• One of the most important things you can do to support your body’s health is to get a full night’s sleep. Aside from nutrition, sleep is the fuel that gives your body the strength to work and play. To help create a relaxing environment that encourages a restful night’s sleep, diffuse Melissa oil in your diffuser before going to bed.
• For possible support, your body’s immune system, place one to two drops of Melissa under the tongue or on the roof of the mouth and then swallow. Directly placing an appropriate quantity of into your mouth is an easy and quick way to receive the internal benefits of Melissa oil.

Fun Fact 

Melissa is Greek for “honey bee,” and its sweet, citrus fragrance was known to attract bees. 

Plant Description

The Melissa plant, Melissa officinalis, is an herbaceous perennial that is commonly known as the lemon balm. This plant ranges from one and a half to two feet in height. The medium-green leaves of the plant are wrinkled and ovate in shape. The leaves of the plant are edible. During the summer, small, white flowers are found in the leaf axils.  doTERRA Melissa essential oil is extracted from the leaf of the plant.

Chemistry of Melissa Oil

Main Chemical Components: Geranial, germacrene, neral, β-caryophyllene

Two of the main chemical components of Melissa essential oil are geranial and neral. These two chemical constituents have a monoterpene backbone and are part of the aldehydes functional group. Both geranial and neral contain soothing properties that strongly contribute to Melissa essential oil’s soothing abilities. To learn more about the chemical components of Melissa essential oil or other essential oils, visit the doTERRA Science Blog.

In abundance and with hope and blessings

Tracey

XoXo