Melissa Essential Oil

Melissa oil is one of the most easily recognizable essential oils because of its lemony soothing, and calming scent. Although it is rare, it is commonly used in aromatherapy for its strong soothing properties. It is particularly famous for its ability to treat cold sores and other bacterial infections without antibiotics.

Moreover, studies have shown that Melissa oil may also benefit the skin. It blends with many oils, most popularly with lavender.

Melissa oil is an expensive essential oil, but you are assured of getting your money’s worth. Be sure to read the label carefully and always buy it from a reputable dealer, especially if you intend to use it internally.

Mlelissa Essential Oil

Melissa Essential Oil : Background

Melissa (Melissa officinalis) is a minty herb native to Europe and the Mediterranean. It grows to a height of about one meter, with indented leaves that emit a lemon scent when lesioned. The herb’s white or pink flowers bloom in the summer.

Melissa originates from the Greek word for ‘honeybee,’ which attests to the high nectar content in its flowers. The herb’s earliest recorded use was in the 14th century when Carmelite nuns used Melissa as an ingredient in an alcoholic tonic called Carmelite water.

In traditional medicine, Melissa essential oil was used to treat various health conditions, including anxiety, diabetes, insomnia, herpes, migraines, and dementia. The herb was revered by a German physician Paracelsus, who believed this oil could resurrect a man.

Today, this lemon-scented oil is used as a digestive tonic and a sleeping aid. It can also be used in a diffuser to help relieve anxiety and natural help to soothe headaches and rejuvenate the body after illness.

The essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the Melissa plant through steam distillation. The oil is pale yellow with a fresh and herbaceous odor. Because only a small amount of oil is produced during the distillation process, Melissa essential oil is quite pricey.

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Melissa Essential oil: Benefits

Melissa oil’s health benefits are attributed to its antifungal, antiseptic, calming, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-inflammatory

Melissa essential oil has been shown to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Recent studies suggest the oil can be applied topically or ingested to reduce swelling and alleviate pain due to its anti-inflammatory activity.

Skin Care

Melissa oil’s antiseptic and antifungal properties help treat acne and eczema naturally. It reduces excessive oil in the skin and fights off bacteria that cause acne and other skin infections. The oil’s refreshing lemony scent will leave your skin smelling and feeling fresh.

 

Add a few drops of Melissa oil to your daily face cream or moisturizer to rejuvenate your skin.

Digestive problems

Got morning sickness? Instead of having ginger ale to reduce nausea, take a sniff of Melissa essential oil. You can also use it to treat acid reflux and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Melissa oil can be consumed as a tea or applied over the belly to ward off the gastrointestinal problems.

Boosts Mood and Relieve stress

Melissa essential oil has some sedative properties that help soothe stress and anxiety, elevate moods, and create a calming and warm feeling. Including it in your daily routine can promote your emotional well-being.

If you feel stressed or anxious, apply a drop of Melissa oil on your palms, rub them together and inhale for quick relief. You can also diffuse it in a room.

Promotes healthy sleep

The sedative properties of Melissa essential oil help stimulate the production of the feel-good hormone serotonin.  This is extremely helpful during nighttime, as it helps relieve restlessness and induce sleep. You can add a few drops of Melissa oil in your night cream or diffuse it in your room at night for a more relaxed and restful sleep.

Treats Cold sores

Melissa essential oil’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties give it the ability to prevent viral infections like cold sores. Researchers suggest that Melissa oil can heal cold-sore wounds faster. Add a few drops of Melissa oil to a carrier oil then apply the blend on the sore.

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Contraindications

The topical application of Melissa essential oil is not recommended for people with damaged and hypersensitive skin.

Avoid using this oil in its pure form on the skin. Instead, always dilute it with a carrier oil.

Experts discourage using Melissa oil in baths, even when diluted, because it can irritate sensitive areas like the ears and eyes.

Keep out of reach of children. Do not use this oil on children under five years old. Consult a healthcare professional before using Melissa essential oil during pregnancy or if you are under medication.

Finally, Melissa essential oil is safe for pets. You can spray the melissa hydrosol on the dog’s coat to disinfect, deodorize, treat fungal infections, and reduce anxiety. However, it’s essential to seek advice from your veterinarian before using it on your dog.

Disclaimer

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.