Melissa, aka Lemon Balm
- Mariah W
- Aug 11, 2016
- 2 min read
Ever hear of lemon balm? It’s also called melissa, latin name: Melissa officinalis. It’s a sweet smelling perennial herb, used for thousands of years for its anti-depressive, anti-inflammatory, and calmative properties. Historically, its been called “the elixir of life” for its health boosting abilities that promoted a long healthy life in the 1500’s. (1) I find that its especially calming for me when I am stressed out from work and public speaking.
This is what melissa looks like when it isn't in a $180 essential oil bottle!
To me, the scent of Melissa leaves reminds me of vanilla ice cream mixed with fresh lemons. I also make it into tea. Today I am using 2 freshly washed leaves to make my own cuppa. Just add boiling water, steep until it’s a pretty light green color. You can add your favorite honey and enjoy!
It's also going to make an amazing dried tea this fall. When dried, I find it to be stronger in flavor and very useful. I use melissa to naturally soothe my moments of stomach upset or to calm my mind after a stressful day.(2)
Until my plant is ready to harvest, I am seriously LOVING melissa essential oil in my DIY 10ml rollerball blend. 2 drops melissa + 3 drops frankincense + FCO = calming bliss!
Remember to keep your usage of melissa essential oil to below a 1% dilution ratio - .9% to be exact.(3) Saves you money and optimizes the benefits, safety, and use.
Lemon balm (melissa) is, genuinely, an amazing plant – can’t wait to enjoy it today!
Resources
Mojay, Gabriel. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils. Healing Arts Press, Gaia Books Limited, 1997. (pg 97)
WebMD. Lemon Balm. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-437-LEMON%20BALM.aspx?activeIngredientId=437&activeIngredientName=LEMON%20BALM (retrieved 9 Aug 2016.)
Tisserand, Robert and & Young, Rodney. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, 2nd Edition. Elsevier, 2014. (Pg 351)
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