Melissa Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses, and Aromatherapy Recipes

Melissa essential oil, also known as lemon balm essential oil, has a wonderfully fresh yet subtle lemon aroma with a hint of sweetness. This versatile oil has been used for centuries for its calming, antiviral, and therapeutic properties.

Melissa oil is derived from the Melissa officinalis plant, which is native to the Mediterranean. The plant is commonly known as lemon balm, sweet balm, bee balm, or common balm. Its tiny white-pink flowers attract honeybees, and the name "Melissa" comes from the Greek word for honeybee.

Lemon balm is widely used as an herb in cooking and is often added to teas, ice creams, and desserts. However, its essential oil is far more potent and is prized for aromatherapy, skincare, and medicinal purposes.

How is Melissa Essential Oil Made?

Melissa essential oil is extracted from the plant's fresh flower tops, stems, and leaves through steam distillation. However, producing this oil is incredibly labor-intensive—it takes seven tons of plant material to make just 2¼ pounds of essential oil!

Due to the difficulty in production, Melissal oil is one of the most expensive essential oils on the market. Unfortunately, some companies adulterate Melissa oil by adding lemongrass, citronella, or citrus oils to cut costs. Always buy this essential oil from a trusted and reputable supplier to ensure purity and effectiveness.

Benefits of Melissa Essential Oil

Melissa essential oil is known for its strong antiviral, antibacterial, and calming properties. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments.

Melissa oil is a versatile, powerful, and calming oil that offers numerous benefits for the mind and body. Whether using it to reduce stress, boost mood, fight infections, or improve sleep, this essential oil is a wonderful addition to any aromatherapy routine.

Although it's one of the pricier essential oils, its therapeutic effects and potency make it well worth the investment. Always purchase from a trusted source to ensure purity and effectiveness.

Emotional & Mental Health Benefits

  • Reduces stress and anxiety – Melissa essential oil has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it ideal for relieving stress, tension, and anxiety.
  • Fights depression – Often used in aromatherapy to promote a positive mood and ease symptoms of mild depression.
  • Aids with sleep – Helps to combat insomnia and improve sleep quality.
  • Improves focus – Useful for people struggling with mental fog, cognitive impairment, or memory issues.

Physical Health Benefits

  • Strong antiviral properties – Commonly used to help fight colds, flu, and viral infections.
  • Supports digestion – Helps relieve bloating, gas, indigestion, and nausea.
  • Reduces headaches – Can be used in massage oils or inhaled to relieve tension headaches.
  • Eases menstrual discomfort – Melissa oil has antispasmodic properties, making it beneficial for PMS and menstrual cramps.
  • Supports respiratory health – Helps with chronic coughs, asthma, and bronchitis.
  • Regulates blood pressure – Melissa oil has a hypotensive effect, meaning it can help lower high blood pressure.

Skincare Benefits

  • Fights cold sores – One of the best natural treatments for herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which causes cold sores.
  • Heals wounds & infections – Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, Melissa essential oil can help with cuts, scrapes, and skin infections.
  • Soothes irritated skin – Can be added to creams or lotions to relieve redness, inflammation, and itching.

How to Use Melissa Essential Oil

Melissa essential oil is highly concentrated and should be used cautiously. It is best diluted before skin application and should never be ingested.

Best Methods for Using Melissa Essential Oil

  • Diffusion – Add 3-5 drops to a diffuser to create a calming atmosphere.
  • Inhalation – Inhale directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam.
  • Topical Application – Mix 2-3 drops with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) and apply to pulse points, chest, or sore muscles.
  • Bath Soak – Add 5 drops of Melissa oil and ½ cup of Epsom salt to a warm bath for stress relief and relaxation.

Blending with Other Essential Oils

Melissa essential oil blends well with:

  • Lavender – Enhances relaxation and stress relief.
  • Roman chamomile – Great for anxiety and sleep support.
  • Frankincense – Boosts mental clarity and spiritual balance.
  • Lemon – Adds an uplifting citrusy note.
  • Ylang-ylang – Enhances mood and reduces tension.

Safety and Precautions

Melissa essential oil is generally safe for topical and aromatherapy use but should be used in moderation.

  • Dilute before applying to the skin to avoid irritation.
  • Avoid use during pregnancy due to its strong effects on the body.
  • Not recommended for children or people with sensitive skin.
  • Do not ingest Melissa oil. It can cause headaches, nausea, or breathing difficulties.