Melissa essential oil | Melissa Officinalis

Traditional use: Lemon balm is one of the most popular herbs used in the tradition of natural medicine. The history of its use goes back to the middle ages and even ancient times. In Europe, lemon balm has been used for roughly 2 thousand years! Primarily, as a remedy for different pains because fresh leaves of lemon balm rubbed into a wound or an insect bite gave immediate relief. In ancient Greece and Rome, this herb gained many nicknames including “happiness for the heart”. The first mention of lemon balm can be found in “Historia Plantarum” – the text written by Theophrastus of Eresos around the 3rd century BCE. 

Lemon balm is usually available in the form of dried leaves and flowering tops but also as an essential oil. The oil has a really pleasant, refreshing, sweet-and-sour citrus aroma. It is the unique fragrance that makes lemon balm oil such a popular addition in aromatherapy and cosmetics. It’s worth noting that the production method of this oil is quite expensive and time-consuming which makes it a very valuable resource for every natural medicine enthusiast. The most notable are its calming effects that will help to deal with stress and mild anxiety while helping to fully relax. In addition to that, lemon balm oil destroys bacteria and fungi which makes it a great support for immunity. Natural medicine experts claim that it is really effective against digestive system infections. Keep in mind that some people use the oil to improve digestion and to soothe ailments such as constipation and colics. It is also widely used as a natural remedy that prevents the upper respiratory tract infections thanks to a warming effect and the ability to reduce cough and soreness of the throat. Lemon balm is popular in aromatherapy but also as a nice, aromatic addition to the overall atmosphere at home.

Occurrence: Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial plant belonging to the group of Lamiaceae. It has a distinctive, pleasant citrus aroma released after breaking or rubbing the leaves. Those leaves have a round or heart-shaped blade with slightly serrated edges – they look similar to the leaves of fresh mint. They are the main herbal resource. In late spring and summer, lemon balm grows small, slightly yellow flowers that occur between the stem and leaves.

Lemon balm naturally occurs in Europe, Northern Africa and Asia. It can be found near houses, in gardens or on meadows. On average lemon balm plants reach up to 1 meter in height. The essential oil that can be found in our shop has been collected from the finest Melissa officinalis herbs cultivated in the countryside of Bulgaria.

Biochemistry: The outstanding aroma and health benefits of lemon balm essential oil are due to the active compounds, including: citronellal, citral, geraniol, beta-caryophyllene and menthol.

The oil available in our shop is produced with a method of steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). Thanks to that, every drop is optimally condensed and has an aroma bouquet unique for this plant.

Aroma: Top note of high intensity and medium durability.

Fun fact: Lemon balm was quite popular in the monastic gardens. The monks used this herb to prepare wine, liqueur and other beverages. In the 17th century the Carmelites came up with a recipe for Carmelite water (Eau de Melisse des Carmes Boyer) – a type of vodka based on fresh lemon balm leaves.