MELISSA (Melissa officianalis)

Also known as balm, lemon balm

Steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. Melissa yields very tiny quantities of oil, it is mostly diluted with other lemon-scented oils and sold as “true melissa oil”. Produced in France, Europe, the Mediterranean countries. CO2 extracts are sometimes available, in my opinion they are much more likely to be therapeutic quality.

SAFETY: Safe at normal dosage. Classification: aldehyde, sesquiterpene

USAGE HISTORY: Used throughout Europe during the middle ages, also used in Greek, Egyptian, Arab herbal medicines.

PROPERTIES:

• Internal-oral, suppository; topical; inhalation
• Well-known as an anti-viral, blended with foraha it is a good treatment for shingles and herpes infection (Antiviral)
• Treats cold, flu, fevers, strep infection, convulsions, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, headaches (Anticonvulsive, febrifuge, antibacterial, antihistaminic, antiseptic)
• Helps muscle fatigue, stimulates muscles, relieves pain and spasm (Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, muscular tonic)
• Calms circulatory system, slows and strengthens heartbeat, lowers blood pressure, reduces heart palpitations due to stress or excitement (Hypotensor)
• Relieves nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, indigestion, liver and gall bladder issues (Carminative, aperitive, digestive, choleretic, galactogogue)
• Balances hormones and regulates menstrual cycle, eases infertility, menstrual pain (Emmenogogue)
• Good for all skin types, fungal infections, wounds, stops bleeding, cold sores, insect bites (Antiseptic, vulnerary, antiallergic)
• Systems: Immune, digestive, genito-urinary, respiratory, integumentary, cardio-vascular, nervous

PERFUME NOTE: Heart note

EMOTIONAL/SPIRITUAL:

• Relieves fear, shock, grief, and anger, anxiety, depression, insomnia, hysteria
• Helps assimilate and resolve past life influences
• Increases understanding and acceptance
• Chakra: (Heart, solar plexus)