Melissa

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(Melissa officinalis) (also known as Lemon Balm)
Traditionally used to support healthy immune response, to ease nervous tension/stress and promote restful sleep.

 Info

Melissa (also known as Lemon Balm)
Melissa officinalis

Plant Origin: Bulgaria
Method: Steam distilled from stems and leaves
Cultivation: Grown using organic methods
Chemical Family: Aldehydes, Sesquiterpenes
Aroma: Strong, citrus, herbaceous, lemony
Note (Evaporation Rate): Middle

Key Constituents from actual GC/MS Analysis: Lot #107
geranial 16.64%
neral 10.31%
beta caryophyllene 24.29%
germacrene D 15.17%
citronellal 1.60%
trans-beta-ocimene 2.47%

Safety Information
Children: Use with caution on children under 2 years of age due to possible skin irritation issues.

Pregnancy: Oral caution. Maximum daily oral dose is 65mg, which is about 2 drops.

Breastfeeding: No contraindication mentioned in Essential Oil Safety.

Medication: Caution Orally: Diabetes medication and Drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 (if unsure, ask your MD or pharmacist)

Therapeutic Uses
Melissa essential oil may support, aid, ease, soothe, reduce, calm, relax, promote and/or maintain healthy function of the following:
Acne
Allergies, respiratory, skin
Analgesic: Citral-rich oils are indicated to ease pain accompanied by inflammation.
Antioxidant
Anxiety
Asthma
Bacteria: The antibacterial activity is due, at least in part, to citral and citronellal (Saad, Muller and Lobstein 2013).
Blood Pressure
Blood Sugar
Bronchitis
Calming: It has therapeutic value in dementia as it can encourage calmness, reduce agitation, and enhance cognition (Ballard et al. 2002).
Candida
Cognition
Candida
Cold sores
Cramping, digestive, uterine
Detox
Digestion, indigestion, nausea
Eczema
Fever: Melissa is considered a cooling oil
Fever Blister
Fungal, infections: Citral has antifungal activity (Tao, OuYang and Jia 2014). It is active against Candida (Silva et al. 2008).
Gallbladder, stimulate
Hay fever
Headaches
Heart, palpitations
Herpes, genital
Herpes simplex 1 (cold sores, chicken pox, shingles)
Hyperthyroidism
Immune fuction
Inflammation: Due to citral content
Indigestion
Insect deterrent
Insomnia
Liver
Menopause
Migraines
Nausea
Pain, skin: Citral-rich oils are indicated to ease pain accompanied by inflammation.
Relaxing: Antidepressant: Citral has relaxing and antidepressant properties (Yim et al. 2009)
Respiratory
Skin, infections, inflammation, oily, pain
Sleep: Citronellal has sedative and sleep-inducing properties, as well as antinociceptive actions (Melo et al. 2010; Quintans-Júnior et al. 2010).
Spasms, intestines, uterus
Stings, bee, wasp
Stress
Thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Uplifting
Viral: Melissa was shown to be active against viruses such as HSV II in vitro (Allahverdiyev et al. 2004).
Vomiting

Hopewell Essential Oil Blends containing Melissa
Contender
Jubilation
Molluscum Contagiosum
Potential
Revitalize
Simply Calming
White Shield

Melissa Blends well with:
Basil
Chamomile, Roman
Clary Sage
Frankincense
Geranium
Ginger
Lavender
Palmarosa
Patchouli
Petitgrain
Rosemary
Sandalwood
Ylang Ylang

For emotional balance, create a blend using Melissa, Sandalwood, Palmarosa, Clary Sage and Patchouli. - from NY Institute of Aromatic Studies

Aromatherapy Literature Notes and Research:
It was noted by Dr. Dietrich Wabner, a professor at the Technical University of Munich, that a one-time application of true Melissa essential oil led to complete remission of Herpes Simplex lesions.
Using Essential Oils Successfully With The Herpes Virus – A Personal Account posted on Medicine Australia

Lemon Balm essential oil ingredient seems to act as natural and novel antiviral substance through the different stages of influenza virus (H9N2) replication. PubMed

Anti-diabetic effects of Melissa essential oil in Type 2 Diabetic Mice PubMed

Antiviral Activity of Melissa Essential Oil Against Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 PubMed

Inhibition of cholinesterase by essential oil from Melissa and Lime Leaf Essential Oils PubMed

Inhibition of cholinesterase has attracted much attention recently because of its potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The results indicate that essential oils obtained from Melissa and Lime leaf showed promising results.

Apoptosis-inducing effects of Melissa officinalis L. Essential Oil in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells. "These results show that EO, through its major component, citral, may be of potential interest for the treatment of GBM."

Skin allergies such as acne, eczema, and bee stings, respond well to Melissa. Purchon/Cantele note that Melissa is one of the "best oils for treating allergies of both the skin and the respiratory system. It can be used to relieve allergic skin reactions as well as hay fever and asthma."

Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D wrote in The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils (p. 133) that 1-3 drops orally may deepen sleep.

Purchon/Cantele note that "At low doses, Melissa essential oil was found to enhance glucose uptake and metabolism in the liver and adipose tissue. It also inhibited the formation of glucose through breakdown of glycogen in the liver, which makes it an efficient hypoglycemic agent." Anti-diabetic Effects of Melissa Essential Oil by PubMed

Studies indicate that Melissa may help hyperthyroid conditions by inhibiting the production of a thyroid-stimulating hormone (Roberta Wilson in Aromatherapy PA - sadly, the study is not referenced).

Robert Tisserand is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in many aspects of aromatherapy, specifically in regard to safe usage. He is one of only two recipients of the Alliance of International Aromatherapist's Lifetime Achievement Award. He makes no mention of any thyroid-related contraindication in regard to Melissa essential oil.

Melissa Morrison wrote: "As lemon balm has been found to have an effect upon the thyroid hormone TSH in Grave’s disease, one scientific paper cautions the use of lemon balm if someone has a propensity toward hypothyroidism for fear the levels of TSH will fall even farther. And yet in The Green Pharmacy Dr James Duke states lemon balm (and other herbs with effects on the thyroid) seem to have the ability to normalize thyroid hormone levels regardless of whether there is too much or too little. The scientific community would do well to actually study the full influence of lemon balm upon the thyroid as opposed to one half of it’s medicinal action then preemptively issue unfounded cautionary statements that with enough repetition will become 'falsified fact'."

From Herb Wisdom: "Lemon balm is used in Europe for treating thyroid problems and has shown an ability to regulate thyroid hormone production."

University of Maryland Medical Center suggests Lemon Balm herb (Melissa officinalis) to "normalize an overactive thyroid."

Application Suggestions (See Essential Oil Usage for more information and a Dilution Chart.)

Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil. Suggested dilution for topical use is 4 drops per 15mL (0.9%).

Children: Use with caution on children under 2 years of age due to possible skin irritation issues.

Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler

Internal: Melissa is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils internally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while French doctors may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French aromatherapy" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application.
Kurt Schnaubelt suggests that 1-3 drops of Melissa orally may deepen sleep.
Click here for information about internal usage.

Testimonies
The following anecdotal testimonies have not been reviewed by the FDA.
The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure disease.
Information shared on the HEO website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice given by your trusted healthcare provider.
We believe that essential oils are provided by the Lord to support our health and well-being.
The Lord is our wisdom, protector and healer.
(Genesis 1:29-30, Ezekiel 47:12)

1. Melissa has helped me with my canker sores. I apply a drop right on the sore. I am now weaning myself off a mouthwash steroid, and hope that Melissa will help me just as much without being on the steroid. I believe a doctor told me that the steroid can actually deteriorate the tissue in the mouth. I will let you know how it works after I get off the steroids. UPDATE: I haven't been on the steroid for a few months. I knew that may have been the cause of the canker sores, but I needed to test it out. My previous job caused me such undue stress, and I haven't had any sores for the last 2 months. - Liz

2. Melissa Oil has worked WONDERS for my canker sores when nothing else would work. It's completely worth the investment. - Sheri O.

3. Migraines and chronic daily headaches are my biggest issue. Essential oils have changed my life. Melissa was a big part of my healing. Melissa also stops my heart palpitations within 5 minutes. - Christine

Safety
Oral Caution: Diabetes medication, drugs metabolized by CYP2B6. Not mentioned as a contraindication in Essential Oil Safety, but since Melissa has an effect on the thyroid, it may interfere with thyroid medication.

Contains Citral, which is a strong sensitizer. Suggested dilution for topical use is 4 drops per fluid ounce (0.7%). Avoid use on hypersensitive or damaged skin. Not typically used topically on children under age 2.

Avoid oral use during pregnancy or lactation.*

Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat— like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. Tisserand suggests: "With essential oils, fatty oil has been suggested as an appropriate first aid treatment, though the advantage of saline [eyewash] is that the eyes can be continually flushed, and this is less easy with fatty oil.” We are not aware of a case where essential oil in the eyes caused permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your healthcare provider.

*Robert Tisserand reported at a Clinical Safety Aromatherapy conference (2013) that there is a possibility that Citral (in Lemongrass) may affect tooth and bone development in the fetus. "Citral impairs reproductive performance in female rats by reducing the number of ovarian follicles (Toaff et al 1979). The effect, however, was seen only after a series of six monthly ip injections at a dose of 300 mg/kg. This is equivalent to injecting ~ 25mL of lemongrass oil into a woman's abdomen. Based on other research, we have restricted citral exposure in pregnancy" (Tisserand, Robert; Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Elsevier Health Sciences UK 2nd Edition 2014, pages 149.).

References
Allahverdiyev, A., Duran, N., Ozguven, M. and Koltas S. (2004) Antiviral activity of the volatile oils of Melissa officinalis L. against Herpes simplex type-2. Phytomedicine 11, 657-661.
Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2002, page.231-233
Purchon, Nerys; Cantele, Lora, Complete Aromatheapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness, pages 24, 83-84.
Schnaubelt, Kurt, The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, 2111, pages 133-134.
Tisserand, Robert; Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Elsevier Health Sciences UK 2nd Edition 2014, page 149, 350-351.
Wildwood, Chrissie, Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy, Bloomsbury Publishing, 1996, page 273.
Wilson, Roberta (2002-06-03), Aromatherapy PA (Kindle Locations 2047-2050), Penguin Group US, Kindle Edition.
Worwood, Valerie Ann, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, New World Library, 2016, page 605.

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May the Lord guide you continually, preserving your health and watering your life when you are dry. May you be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring full of hope for your future in His care.
From Isaiah 58:11 & Jeremiah 29:11