Lemon Balm (Melissa) Essential Oil

Botanical name : Melissa officinalis

Plant origin : Leaves

Extraction method : Steam distillation

Aroma : Fresh, lemony, fruity-floral, sweet

Odor intensity : Medium

Evaporation Rate : Top Note

Lemon balm is antidepressant, antiviral, cephalic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, aperitive, calmative, carminative, insomnia, cholagogue, cooling , detoxifier, digestive, diuretic, emollient, expectorant,hepatic, insect repellent, insecticide, nervine, anxiolytic, refreshing, sedative, stimulant (circulatory system), sudorific, tonic (nerves), and tonifying (skin)

Lemon balm, also known as Melissa, is native to the Mediterranean and of the mint family. The Greeks used lemon balm over 2,000 years ago. Honey bees gravitate to the plant. This attraction resulted in the alternative name, melissa, the Greek word for honey bee. Romans brought lemon balm to Great Britain where it quickly became a favorite plant among gardens. It has since been naturalized to North America. Lemon balm has been used over the centuries to ease the mind, hone memory, and sharpen the senses.

Lemon balm has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. It  is especially useful for treating the herpes simplex virus and cold sores. The oil alleviates insect bites and soothes wounds. The aromatic fragrance makes it useful as an insect repellent. The emollient properties of the oil tone and beautify the skin, spurring the production of skin cells. It also acts as an aphrodisiac with its sublime and uplifting scent, working effectively as an antidepressant as demonstrated in many studies.