(Melissa officinalis) (also known as Lemon Balm) Traditionally used to support healthy immune response, to ease nervous tension/stress and promote restful sleep.
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
Anti-diabetic effects of Melissa essential oil in Type 2 Diabetic Mice PubMed
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."
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.
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
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.).
