Melissa (Melissa Officinalis)

Melissa is native to the Mediterranean and the word, originating from Greek, means “honeybee”.  The plant is also known as lemon balm or common balm.  The father of modern medicine Avicenna mentions Melissa in his work, describing it as a general stimulant and a cure for melancholy.   

Melissa oil has excellent qualities as a sedative and an anti-depressant.  It strengthens the cardiac muscle and is useful in slowing the heartbeat and lowering high blood pressure.  It also stimulates the appetite, suppresses nausea and is good as a cooling agent for fevers.

Melissa oil blends well with basil, Roman chamomile, rose, geranium, frankincense, lavender and ylang-ylang.

ESSENTIAL OIL PROPERTIES

Appearance:
transparent homogenous liquid

Color:
Dark yellow

Aroma:
specific of melissa, fresh, lemony  

Plant parts used in distillation:
flowers

Growing method:
wild

Macrocompounds:
geranial, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, neral

Additional components:
α-phellandrene, limonene, o-cymene, linalool, citronellal, geranyl acetate,  δ -cardinene, etc.

Storage:
in well-sealed containers at 5 to 15º C, away from light and heat sources

Shelf life:
3 years

Harvesting period:
In June or September