Melissa Essential Oil: Contraindications, Side Effects, Properties And Benefits

What is Melissa oil?

Melissa oil is also known by the name lemon balm; It is widely recognized for its fragrance and its anti-stress, sedative, and antidepressant properties.

It is extracted from the steam distillation of the leaves, flowers and branches . It is known as the “elixir of life” or “nectar of life”; since it removes sadness, inspires joy, generates hope.

Origin of Melissa oil

Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region more than two thousand years ago ; It is said that the Spanish conquerors were the ones who gave it the name “melissa”.

Its strong lemon scent gave it high recognition for natural medicine; aromatherapy and cosmetic industries.

It is a wild plant that has a predilection for humid soils and organic matter.

The name “melissa” comes from the Greek meaning “bee”; the monks of the Discalced Carmelites made a liquor with sedative properties called “agua del Carmen” or lemon balm water, lemon balm water.

Melissa oil characteristics

It is a yellow oil , with a citrus lemon scent . Because the leaves give very little essence when extracted by steam distillation, it is a very expensive essence in the European economy.

Melissa oil scientific name

The scientific name is ” Melisa officinalis “; It belongs to the Lamiaceae families .

Melissa oil chemical composition

The essential oil of lemon balm is made up of citral, lemon tree, citronella , caffeic and chlorogenic acid, flavonoids , alcohols such as geraniol and linalool.

How is Melissa oil extracted?

It is extracted from the leaves, flowers and branches of the plant through the process of steam distillation.

Melissa leaves are not difficult to distill; namely; large quantities of lemon balm are needed to obtain a minimum percentage of essence.

It is for this reason that it is considered one of the most expensive and difficult to access essences in Europe.

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Active ingredient of lemon balm oil

The active principle of lemon balm oil is citronella, citral, lemon tree, caffeic and chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, alcohols.

Melissa Oil Recommended Dosage

The form of administration of lemon balm oil is multiple; since it depends on the use and situation for which it is going to be used.

Its use is recommended in essence for external use (skin); and tincture for internal use (intake); Since the latter, despite being concentrated, is less toxic due to its preparation than the essence and infusions can be made.

If you make a tea with dried lemon balm leaves, it is recommended that you use a tablespoon (dessert) in a cup of boiling water, cover it and rest for 10 minutes and it is ready for consumption.

In the form of a tincture; 30 to 50 drops are used one to three times a day dissolved in water or orange juice.

In fluid or extract, 30 to 50 drops are used three times a day, also diluted in water or some natural juice from the same citrus range of lemon balm.

Agua del Carmen ; 5-10cc is recommended; one to three times a day; added to an infusion or in sugar water.

It can be used in aromatic baths by placing a few drops of the essence in a bathtub.

Compresses of dried plant passed through boiling water to place in areas of pain and receive its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

It can be mixed with other essential oils to produce a more pronounced and long-lasting effect; but always under strict supervision of a specialist in natural, alternative or preventive medicine to avoid unwanted or toxic effects for the body.

These and many other forms of use are given to this kind of essence; which leads to being very popular throughout the history of alternative medicine.

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Melissa oil uses and benefits

The use of lemon balm essential oil is well known because its properties and lemon aroma give it a high consumption both for traditional medicine and for cosmetic and aromatherapy use.

Among its medicinal properties we have that it is used particularly in diseases of the respiratory tract since it is antiseptic and antitussive; Helps to improve asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, as well as allergic symptoms, sore throat, aphonia.

It is sudorific; so it can be used in feverish cases; as well as sedative and it could be said that in high doses it can cause hypnosis; which gives it the property of being conticonvulsive.

Its action on the central nervous system is very marked since it produces a sedative effect as well as an antidepressant.

Improves rest as it induces relaxation and sleep . It improves the digestive system since its antispasmodic effect is very marked; helps a good digestion and increases appetite.

Reduces flatulence and cleanses the intestine, ensuring its proper functioning. It is antibacterial; confers defense against bacteria in the digestive tract, urinary tract and kidneys.

Melissa oil is hypotensive; so it confers the cardioprotective effect ; decreasing episodes of hypertension keeps the body in optimal conditions; with this it also protects the kidneys as it prevents it from being saturated by increases in tension and its function is not affected.

It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties , which is why it is used for diseases such as rheumatism, arthritis, degenerative diseases of the muscles that cause pain, migraines, headaches.

This property also confers benefits on the skin, since its application can improve irritability, allergic reactions that occur with itching, flaking and skin infections.

Provides a recovery of hydration of the skin, activating the production of proteins and nutrients that give it health and shine.

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What are the benefits for digestion?

Melissa oil, due to its chemical components similar to lemon, has an antibacterial effect, which is why it is used in cases of stomach infections of Helicobacter Pílori and Escherichia Coli.

Significantly reduces intestinal smooth muscle spasms, which improves digestion and prevents colic, flatulence, intestinal irritability.

Increases enzyme production to maintain adequate levels of hydrochloric acid, which improves the use of nutrients consumed and a proper elimination of waste and the body; since it also has antioxidant properties.

Increases metabolism with better energy use of cell membranes, promoting better functioning.

Is Melissa oil good for weight loss?

Although lemon balm oil confers an increase in the ability of the person; it does not mean that it helps you gain weight; it is the opposite.

There are diseases that cause inflammation and fluid retention in the body, which leads to a considerable increase in this without the need for obesity as such.

Melissa oil deflates and activates the urinary and lymphatic system , which, acting together, helps eliminate fluids that cause edema, as well as improves kidney, heart and endocrine function.

These systems go hand in hand when it comes to a fluid balance in the body, so lemon balm and its medicinal action are of great importance to prevent and improve each one.

It helps to take advantage of the nutrients consumed so that there is a better distribution and energy use, which generates a decrease in triglycerides.

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Does it have many properties for hair?

The oils are used in the hair to protect it from the aggressions caused by the weather , pollution, frequent use of chemical products such as dyes, subjecting it to high temperatures with drying or ironing; losing its shine and vitality.

It is for this reason that the oils are beneficial as they make a protective and regenerating layer on both the hair and the scalp, providing deep hydration from the roots.

Each essential oil has a specific property for which it stands out in the hair; lemon balm oil restores pH by regulating fat and helping it to grow healthier, giving it shine and softness.

Prevents alopecia; since its antiseptic action helps to improve and prevent fungal and bacterial diseases; as well as lice and nit infestations.

Using Melissa oil for insomnia

Melissa oil has properties that reach the central nervous system; They give it the effect for which it is recognized worldwide as a relaxing, sedative, and sleep inducer .

Its action is reflected in its consumption as an infusion, in topical use and in aromatherapy; reason for which it was used since ancient times in natural and preventive medicine.

The property that gives it this effect is its high content of citronella composed of flavonoids, antioxidants and phenolic compounds.

This combination acts in the body inducing among many other properties; to the decrease in muscle tone (smooth and striated) so it induces a good rest.

As well as; brings a state of serenity and well-being which generates a restful sleep .

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Melissa Oil and Cancer

In studies carried out, it has been shown that the use of this type of essences that contain flavonoids in their structure help to prevent and in turn in the improvement of conditions such as cancer.

These compounds can infer the stages that lead to tumor formation and metastasis by protecting DNA from oxidative damage.

It is this property of lemon balm oil that gives great importance to science; because it allows it to be used as a highly effective alternative and its accessibility makes it even more beneficial.

Melissa Oil During Pregnancy

The essential oil of lemon balm should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause spontaneous abortions and increases uterine tone; producing contractions which would generate the loss of the fetus.

As well as it is teratogenic; therefore, the fetus would be highly affected by this substance, since it is an oil of high concentration and high permeability of the placental membrane.

Is Melissa Oil Good For Babies?

Essential oils in babies limit their use due to the harmful effects that they can present.

The extremes of life are very vulnerable to the permeability and effects of substances and in high concentrations such as essences increases the risk.

They can cause drowsiness so marked that it can lead to hypnosis; decrease blood pressure, pulse, and therefore put life at risk.

Reason why its use is not recommended in children under six years of age.

Can it be used while breastfeeding? Why?

The use of lemon balm oil is not recommended during breastfeeding due to its high permeability that leads to breast milk, which generates direct effects on the baby.

It cannot be used in babies since its sedative and relaxing effect is so marked that it can induce the sudden death of the neonate.

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Cosmetic properties of lemon balm oil

Melissa oil is recognized for its cosmetic benefits on the skin, as it regenerates its natural tone; prevents aging and provides relief in diseases such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, peeling, fungal and bacterial infections; among others.

It also provides great benefit in the preparation of lotions, creams, tonics that restore freshness and softness to the skin, providing deep hydration and a refreshing aroma.

Melissa essential oil is one of the main components in perfumery ; since its aroma gives it to belong in the classification as a middle note; which is the heart of the perfume; they bring character and harmony to the final fragrance.

Melissa oil in aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has been practiced since ancient times; The use of fragrances and their effect on the body as a therapeutic and cure for many diseases were studied.

Aromatherapy uses pure essences such as lemon balm and with a high percentage it sees volatility that give it its properties to produce relaxing effects both in heavy environments and in the body.

As well as; It is mixed with base oils to give therapeutic massages and take advantage of its aroma and properties on the skin, making synergy between its components producing a marked and lasting effect.

At present aromatherapy is widely used and scientifically respected ; since it can offer through the use of the properties of natural essences endless benefits and changes in the individual’s state of health, promoting a healthy life in balance with nature.

With this practice, the benefits of plants are appreciated and it provides a reconciliation of the individual with their holistic world (soul, body and mind), which generates greater vitality .

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Contraindication and risks with the use of Melissa oil

  • Melissa oil should not be used in people with a history of allergy to its components .
  • Melissa oil is highly concentrated so its use must be well dosed and diluted in a base oil to avoid irritation or toxicity when applied to the skin and in infusions, preferably dilute it in water or milk.
  • It can be mixed with other essential oils but the base must exceed the amount of essences used by 80% to avoid damage.
  • It should not be used during pregnancy ; during lactation; nor in children under six years of age.
  • Use with caution in chronic diseases and in the elderly.

Melissa oil technical sheet

  • Place of Origin : Europe
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Species: Melisa Officinalis
  • Active ingredient: citronella; lemon Tree; eugenol; etc.
  • Properties: sedative, sleep inducer; antidepressant; antifungal; antibacterial; antiseptic; hypotensive; cardioprotective; Gastric protector; protector of the urinary system.
  • Way of reproduction : cutting the plant; as well as its seeds, which are contained within the flower when it dries.
  • How is its essence extracted ? It is extracted through the steam distillation method.

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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