MELISSA or Lemon Balm
One of the most Expensive Essential oils,
Citrus like fragrance
Know to Herbalists as "Lemon Balm ".
This European Native flavors many Liqueurs :
Including Chartreuse , Cordial' Medoc , Aromatique ,and Alpenkrauter
EXTRACTION:
Distilled from leaves-sent is soft, lemony .
The Ratio of the two main Lemon like components,
Citral and Citronellal -
varies considerably depending on where it is grown and maturity of the plant >
Citronellal compounds tend to concentrate in older leaves .
In addition, both compounds are rapidly lost when the plant is dried and stored.
The Plant actually contains a relatively low amounts of essential oil (0.05 to 0.3 Percent )
The exception is some Mediterranean Cultures, Particularly from Spain, but still only 0.4 percent .
Not easily distilled
Expensive, Low-yielding oil is often
adulterated with less costly Lemon, Lemon grass,
Citronella, litsea, Lemon Catnip, or even Lemon Eucalyptus .
MEDICINAL ACTION :
Melissa is used to treat Lung congestion, high blood pressure,
Menstrual Pain Relief and Sometimes infertility >
It counters indigestion. Calming digestive track muscles and providing Pain Relief.
Decreases inflammation and fights viral and Bacterial infection
such as
Staphylococcus.
Cosmetic/Skin
Very Gental on Sensitive Skin .
Lemon Balm is a very good Antiseptic and Antioxidant
for complexion, dermatitis, inflammation, allergies ,
insect bits, and skin infection >
Melissa antiviral properties have been shown in studies to be particularly
effective against both herpes virus 1 and 2 ,
as well a related Chicken Pox.
EMOTIONAL ATTRIBUTES :
Melissa was the main ingredient in The Medieval Carmelite
water along with lemon peel , nutmeg, coriander, and angelica .
(and splash on to improve complexion )
It is still produced as Eau de Melissa de Carnes and The German Klosterfrau Melissengeist.
Melissa Sedative action helps shock, distress, depression,
nervousness, anger, fear, forgetfulness and insomnia.
The famous Herbal healer
Avicenna founded that it elevated mood,
and Gerard declared that it "maketh the heart merry, joyful, strengthen= the vital spirit "
ASSOCIATED OIL :
LEMON CATNIP :
(Nepeta Cataric)
Grown for essential oil production
Excellent For cockroach- flee and mosquito repellent .
SOURCE :
AROMATHERAPY: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HEALING ARTS
SECOND ADDITION---------
KATHI KEVILLE & MINDY GRAM
Further Reading:
http://doterrablog.com/eo-spotlight-melissa
Namaste,
Sandraji
To purchase Essential Oils go here:
http://www.mydoterra.com/sandralcopeland/
