Melissa, The Elixer of Life

Melissa, The Elixir of Life.

Some Basic Facts about Melissa

This herb is harvested between the months of May and June before the first flowers bloom. 
This is because the aroma is more intense and concentrated.
The oil is pale yellow in colour.
It takes 7 tons of leaves to produce 1 kilogram of oil.

I love Melissa for so many reasons. 

It’s very pricy but worth every penny.

Melissa is Greek for honey bee.

It is fresh, with a citrus fragrance.

Chemical Composition of Melissa.

Melissa belongs to the mint family. Also known as Lemon Balm.
It is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves and flowers.
It is a medicinal plant that is native to Eastern Mediterranean and West Asia.
Melissa has over 70 active compounds, including Geranial, Citronellol, neral and Caryophyllene

So how can this wonderful essential oil help?

• It has been described as the Happy Pill.
  

It helps release agitation, depression and social withdrawal.

Here’s a blend for your diffuser:
Lemon, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, Melissa, and Lavender. THIS WILL HELP UPLIFT YOUR DAY!



Melissa has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a number of health issues including insomnia, anxiety, migraine, hypertension, diabetes and herpes and dementia.

• One of the most well known befits of Melissa is its ability to treat cold sores (herpes simplex) without the need for anti-biotic.
  

Apply 1-2 drops directly to the cold sore.

• It may help improve the symptoms of Alzheimer. The active compound that may help with this is caryophyllene. (Also found in Copaiba Balsam)
  

People with severe dementia, especially patients with severe cognitive decline, is a frequent management issue. There is still conflicting evidence but is does appear that inhaling or massage Melissa does well to alleviate symptoms such as agitation and stress.
John Evelyn, writer and gardener, said ‘sovereign for the brain strengthening memory and powerfully chasing away melancholy’

• Anti-diabetic. Can help with blood sugar levels.

• Promotes skin healthy by treating naturally eczema, acne and minor wounds.
  

Can be applied to the skin. I always dilute. It helps clear up skin conditions that are caused by bacteria and fungus. Has anti-bacterial and ant-fungus compounds.

• It boosts mood and can help with depression. May create a feeling of peace.
  

Use topically on wrists, back of ears and back of neck.

• May help reduce vertigo and nervousness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Apply 2-3 drops topically to the back of the neck and ears.
  

As you can see this plant has a large variety of uses of therapeutic uses. Treasure it!
Have any of you had experience with Melisa?



Have fun with your oils.