<-- back

Melissa

Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis, aka Lemon balm

Anatomical areas: Skin, respiratory system, digestive system, genito-urinary system, nervous system, adrenals.

Allopathic uses: Skin, respiratory system, digestive system, genito-urinary system, nervous system, adrenals.

Indications: Allergies, insect bites, insect repellent, asthma, bronchitis, throat infections, chronic coughs, colic, indigestion, stomach cramps, nausea, menstrual problems, herpes, cold sores, anxiety, depression, hypertension, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension, shock and vertigo.

Holistic uses: In Chinese medicine, cool/dry energy, fire and wood element, stagnation of Qi, heat in Liver and Heart, disturbance of Mind, smoothes flow of Lung-Qi, harmonizes Mind and Ethereal Soul, reabsorbs Mind into the Heart. Excellent for depression, inner child work, replaces intensity with serenity, distrust with innocence.

Contraindications: Non toxic. Pregnancy, breast feeding, children under 2 years, hyper-sensitive, diseased or damaged skin, prostatic hyperplasia, glaucoma.

Blending: Top note. Blends well with chamomile roman, rose maroc, rose otto, neroli, petitgrain, frankincense, lavender, geranium, floral and citrus oils. Most often used alone. Not more than 1% in blends.

Chemical Components: Citronellal, geranial (15%), neral (15%), citronellol, caryophyllene, carophyllene oxide, linalol and limonene.
 

Characteristics: Pale yellow color. Light, fresh, lemony, green, herbaceous, citrus, slightly sweet.

Extraction: Steam distillation from leaves and flowering tops.