Melissa Leaf

Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis

Botany and Origins: Melissa also known as Lemon Balm, is a sweet scented perennial herb which grows up to 0.9m high with serrated leaves and tiny white or pink flowers. Melissa is distilled in the south of France, Germany and in Italy and Spain. However, the total production of genuine melissa oil is only a fraction of the quantity commercially offered. Melissa oil enjoys the reputation of being on of the most frequently adulterated essential oils. The name is from the Greek word signifying bee, indicative of the attraction the plant has for bees, and the word Balm is an abbreviation of the term Balsam.

Method of Extraction: Melissa oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops.

Cultivation: Certified Organic

Historical and Traditional Uses: The herb was highly esteemed by Paracelsus, who believed it could completely revivify a man. A Spirit of Balm, made by combining lemon peel, nutmeg, angelica root and other herbs and spices, enjoyed a great reputation under the name of Carmelite water. This was considered beneficial for the treatment of nervous headaches, digestive problems and neuralgic affections.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: Melissa oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antispasmodic properties. Hot water extracts of melissa have strong antiviral properties against mumps, Herpes simplex, and other viruses. Polyphenols and the tannin present have been identified to be responsible for these antiviral properties. The hydroalcoholic extract of melissa is a CNS sedative.

Indications:

• Cardiovascular System: Melissa oil is reputed to lower high blood pressure and it has a calming effect on over-rapid breathing and heartbeat. It is suggested that Melissa is a tonic of the heart and recommended for all heart conditions where there is overstimulation, or heat, leading to weakness of the heart.
• Digestive System: Melissa oil is reputed to regulate the digestive system, relieve cramps, reduce flatulence and stimulate the gallbladder and liver. The action of Melissa oil has been compared with that of peppermint and fennel. It is a tonic and is recommended or nausea, vomiting and indigestion, especially of nervous origins.
• Immune System: Studies in Germany have found Melissa oil to possess antiviral properties against Herpes simplex and Herpes zoster. It is suggested using a blend of Rose oil and Melissa oil directly onto the herpes lesions and that the herpes will often disappear within 24 hours. However, care should be taken to apply the oil to the blisters only and not to the surrounding skin to minimise irritation.
• Nervous System: Melissa oil is described as a gift from heaven and is recommended to use the oil for overstimulation of the nervous system that causes stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression and lost inner direction. It is considered as a sedative and is recommended for reducing anger in times of crisis or trauma. The oil is well known for its uplifting and antidepressant qualities.
• Reproductive System: Melissa's relaxing and antispasmodic properties make it beneficial for treating painful periods.
• Skin Care: Melissa oil is often recommended for the treatment of oily skin and acne. However, there is a high risk of skin irritation or skin sensitisation and, for this reason, it is preferred to use essential oils that are less likely to cause an irritation.

Safety: Melissa oil is non-toxic. However, care must be taken as the oil is a possible sensitiser and dermal irritant. Care must also be taken as this is one of the most frequent adulterated essential oils.

Country of Origin: Egypt

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)