Melissa Essential Oil, France

Name        Melissa Essential Oil, France

Category  Essential Oils

Species    Melissa officinalis L., fam Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Part           Flower/Leaf

Method     Steam Distillation

Class        Aldehyde

Country     France

Code         MelOff7

Melissa Essential Oil, France

Melissa Essential Oil, France, (Melissa officinalis), is calming, sedative, hypotensive (lower blood pressure), fights against cholera, and is anti-inflammatory.

Key Constituents:

Geranial [25-35%]

Neral [18-28%]

Beta-Caryophyliene [12-19%]

Action:  Melissa is a calming, sedative, hypotensive (lower blood pressure), fights against cholera, and is antiinflammatory.

Traditional Uses:  Melissa has a powerful antimicrobial constituents.  Anciently, melissa was used for nervous disorders and many different ailments dealing with the heart or the emotions.  It was also used to promote fertility.  Melissa was the main ingredient in Carmelite water, distilled in France since 1611 by the Carmelite monks.

Indications:  Allergies, anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, chronic coughs, respiratory infections, cold-sore blisters, indigestion, depression, insomnia, menstrual problems, migraine, nausea, nervous tension, palpitations, throat infections, and vertigo.

Other Uses:  Researchers in Germany reported that the application of a dried extract from Melissa officinalis resulted in remission of herpes simplex lesions and a prolongation of the interval to the next episode.

Application:  Diffuse or apply topically.

Fragrant Influence:  Melissa brings out gentle characteristics within people.  It is calming and uplifting and may help to balance the emotions.  Melissa may also help to remove emotional blocks and instill a positive outlook on life.

Safety Data:  If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult physician.

Companion Oils:  Geranium oil, Lavender oil, and other floral and Citrus oils.

Melissa Essential Oil, France is sweet, lemony, captivating and has a faint earthy pleansant note.  The aroma is characteristic of the citral freshness of the flowers and leaves.  Steam distillations yield can be as low as under a tenth of a percent.  In addition very few distillations are even attempted.  These facts contribute to the high cost of this rare oil.  Melissa is also referred to as Balm and "Heart's Delight." Use of the plant in europe goes back as far as the Roman Empire.  Beware of low prices.  When prices are suspiciously low on this item buyer beware.