Melissa Melissa officinalis
Specifics
| Country of Origin: South Africa | Extraction Method: Steam Distilled |
| Chemical Families: Aldehydes | Plant Part: Flowers, Leaves |
| Aromas: Fresh, Herbaceous, Lemony | Cultivation: Unsprayed |
About
When depression is due to anxiety and stress, Melissa can be highly effective in reducing the tension and therefore provide an emotionally uplifting effect. It is also used for reducing heart palpitations. It has a lemony, warm, radiant aroma.
The antiviral effects have proven to be effective when dealing with herpes, the flu, and small pox.
The African distiller of this essential oil has been in business since 1983 working with rural communities and emerging farmers to establish crops specifically for essential oils. He concentrates primarily on organic essential oils. His company works directly with farmers supplying the distillation units. He is also involved with farmers and distillers in Madagascar, Rwanda, Zambia and other African countries.
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Therapeutic Properties
- Antidepressant - can help to prevent and alleviate depression
- Antiviral - inhibits growth of virus (herpes)
- Carminative - settles digestion and may assist in preventing gas
- Cooling
- Diaphoretic - promotes perspiration, helping skin eliminate waste
- Emmenagogue - stimulates menstrual flow and activity
- Nervous system sedative
Emotional and Energetic Qualities
Reduces insomniaReduces anxiety, opens the mind
Calms and cools agitated emotions
Offers comfort during grieving
Recipe
Herpes Blister
1 drop Melissa in 1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel
Apply to the herpes blister. Be very careful not to touch the surrounding skin with the oil.
References:
1. Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
2. Davis P. Aromatherapy an A-Z. New revised edition C.W. Daniel Company Limited, England, 1999
3. Keville, K. Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, The Crossing press, USA, 1995
4. Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Henry Holt and Company Inc., England, 1996
5. Price S. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 2nd edition, Churchill Livingstone, 1999
6. Tisserand R. The Art of Aromatherapy, Healing Arts Press, USA, 1977
Safety Issues
May cause skin irritation in those with sensitive skin. Use in low dilution when applying to the skin, such as in baths or massage oils.
