Lemon Balm Essential Oil (Melissa officinalis)

Overview

Lemon Balm may also be referred to as Sweet balm, Bee herb, Balm, Common balm, Melissa balm, and Balm mint. It is typically processed in Mediterranean region using steam or hydro distillation as a method for extracting oil from the leaves and flowers/buds.

Summary

Lemon balm essential oil has uses in aromatherapy and helps to bring calmness to the mind, while having a great sedating effect, calming the heartbeat and palpitations. It furthermore is used to correct menstrual problems, while having excellent results in fighting cold sores (herpes simplex), as well as fungal infections to a lesser degree. Lemon Balm flowers are very attractive to bees; the name 'Melissa' is the Greek word for honeybee and is also know as "lemon balm' or in Hebrew 'Bal-Smin" meaning 'Chief of oils.'

Topical: Apply 2-4 drops of product directly to desired area. Dilution not required, except for the most sensitive skin. Use as needed. Aromatic: Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily.

Lemon Balm Essential Oil

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description:

    Citrus Fresh Herbaceous Lemony

  • Taste Description: Herbaceous, fresh and citrus-like
  • Common Name(s): Sweet balm, Bee herb, Balm, Common balm, Melissa balm, and Balm mint

  • Synonyms(s) for Melissa officinalis: Faucibarba officinalis, Mutelia officinalis, Thymus melissa

  • Botanical Family: Lamiaceae
  • Botanical Genus: Melissa
  • Chemical Family: Aldehydes, Sesquiterpenes
  • Major Compounds: Sesquinterpenes (Beta-Caryophyllene 18.77%, Germacrene D 6.47%, alpha-Humulene 1.68%) and Aldehydes (Geranial 25.53%, Citronellal 4.27%, Neral 18.74%)
  • Perfumery Note: Top/Middle
  • Consistency: Thin
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong
  • Color: Pale yellow
  • Countries of Production: Mediterranean region
  • Indigenous Country: England
  • Cultivation: Distiller is Certified Organic
  • Processing Methods: Steam or Hydro Distillation
  • Part Typically Used: Leaves and Flowers/Buds
  • Shelf Life: 3 - 4 years
  • Conservation Status:  [LC] Least Concern
    IUCN Red List category abbreviations (version 3.1, 2001)
  • Ethically and sustainably sourced Ethically and sustainably sourced
  • Organic Organic
  • Vegan Vegan
  • Not Pregnancy Safe Not recommended or safe if pregnant or nursing
  • Not Child Safe Not recommend or safe for children

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

May be benefitial for addressing the following ailments:

Anxiety Asthma Bronchitis Coughs Depression Fever Flatulence Hair : Damaged Headache Indigestion Insect Repellents Insomnia Jetlag Menopausal Symptoms Menstruation : Excess ( Menorrhagia ) Menstruation : Lack of Periods (Amenorrhea) Menstruation : P.M.T. Migraine Nausea Nervous Conditions / Tension Stress

Therapeutic Benefits of Lemon Balm:

Analgesic Anti-allergenic Anti-anxiety Anti-bacterial Anti-cancer Anti-convulsant Anti-depressant Anti-fungal Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial Anti-spasmodic Anti-viral Carminative Emmenagogic Emmenagogue Febrifuge Hypotensive Immuno-stimulant Nervine Sedative Stomachic Sudorific Tonic

General Uses for Lemon Balm:

Oil diffusers, potpourri, massage oil, perfume, bath oil, bath salt, bath and shower gels, spa treatment oils and creams, soap, candles

Other Uses for Lemon Balm:

Lemon balm oil's great benefit lies in its ability to calm and soothe the nerves, the digestive system, the heart, painful menstrual cycles and fevers.

Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy, lemon balm oil can assist with fighting depression as well as having a greatly calming effect on the mind, reducing fevers, easing headaches, and for combating nausea.

Blended massage oil or in the bath: As a blended massage oil or used in the bath, lemon balm oil can help with fever, headaches, depression, feeling jittery and stressed-out, settle upset stomachs and fighting fungal infections.

Cream or lotion: Although the high aldehyde content of lemon balm oil may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, it is useful to fight fungal infections, checking the blood flow in wounds and in some quarters it is also used to counteract baldness and hair loss.

Blends

Lemon Balm Blends:

Basil Chamomile, Roman Frankincense Frankincense frereana Geranium Lavender Rose Ylang Ylang

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Lemon Balm:

Keep out of reach of children. For external use only. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use.

Safety Precautions for Lemon Balm:

Lemon Balm oil is non-toxic but could cause sensitization and irritation and should always be used in low dilutions. For this reason it should be avoided during pregnancy and by people with a very sensitive skin.

Botany

Botanical Description of Lemon Balm:

Lemon Balm grows to about 60 cm (2 feet) and likes soil with a high iron content and has small serrated slightly hairy leaves and small white-pink flowers

History

History of Lemon Balm:

In the 14th century it was included in tonic water made by the French Carmelite nuns and Paracelsus (1493 - 1541) called this herb 'The Elixir of life' while John Evelyn (1620 -1706) described it as "sovereign for the brain, strengthening the memory, and powerfully chasing away melancholy".

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities

Energetics and Chakras Qualites of Lemon Balm:

2nd Chakra - Relationships 4th Chakra - Unconditional Love 6th Chakra - Perspective Creation Energy Protective Purifying Unconditional love Uplifting

Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil