Are you familiar with Melissa Essential Oil benefits? Melissa oil, aka Lemon Balm, is a rare and pricey oil that contains strong soothing properties. It has a fresh, sweet and citrus aroma that is delightful. Learn about Melissa Essential Oil Recipes, Uses and Benefits.

Melissa oil is a popular choice in aromatherapy. When using topically or aromatically, it can promote feelings of relaxation and calm nerves.

Melissa Essential Oil Facts

This treasured oil is frequently used in skincare products due to its anti-inflammatory properties on irritated skin. Historically, it was used for nervous disorders and other aliments dealing with emotions.

Only a very small amount of oil is produced during the distillation process of lemon balm, causing this oil to be high priced. Be sure to buy only from a reputable source. Only a small amount of oil is needed to enjoy its amazing properties.

Melissa has been referred to as "the elixir of life". According to essential oil expert Robert Tisserand:

"Melissa is the nearest one can find to a rejuvenator--not something which will make us young again, but which helps to cushion the effect of our mind and the world outside on our body"

Melissa Essential Oil Safety Precautions

Non-toxic, but may cause skin irritation in those with sensitive skin. Use in low dilution (0.9%) when applying to the skin, such as in baths or massage oils. That is about 5 drops per 1 oz of carrier oil. May interfere with diabetes medication when taken internally (which is not a recommended use).

Not a kid-friendly oil, best avoided for kids under 10 years old. Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety suggests the use be restricted to 0.5% maximum on the skin during pregnancy due to citral which could affect fetal development in high topical doses.

Main Constituents:

Geraniol, neral, germacrene D, beta-caryophyllene, citronellal. See  for a complete list of constituents.

Melissa Essential Oil Blends Well With

There are many oils that Melissa blends well with:

• Geranium
• Lavender
• Rose
• Basil
• Frankincense
• Sweet orange
• Citronella
• Bergamot
• Neroli
• Ylang ylang
• Petitgrain
• Sandalwood
• Vanilla
• Tangerine
• Spikenard
• Roman Chamomile

Discover how you can use melissa essential oil in your daily routine with these tips.

Therapeutic Uses:

Insomnia, sleep disorders, indigestion, nausea, fungal infections, candida, viral skin infections, herpes, menopausal symptoms, detoxifying, nervousness, stress and anxiety-related symptoms, depression

Therapeutic Properties:

Antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, calmative, circulatory, depurative, insect repellent, nervine, soporific, spasmolytic, stomachic

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Melissa Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

Cherished by many for its health promoting benefits and use, here are some ways lemon balm oil can support you.

Supports a Healthy Immune System

Our immune system is responsible for keeping us healthy. Many variables can wreak havoc on it, causing it to weaken. Melissa oil can help to strengthen it. This oil is thought to have immunostimulant activity which is related to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Diffuse in a room to enjoy the powerful support. Add in other supportive oils like frankincense, patchouli, or palmarosa to create your own diffuser recipe. Learn more about diffusing essential oils.

Immune Support Bath Blend: Blend 2 drops of Melissa and 2 drops of patchouli into 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil, add in 1/4 cup of Epsom salt, and blend. Pour mixture into running bath water and swirl the water to mix in.

Promotes Relaxation

Melissa is frequently used to promote relaxation, reduce tension, and calm the mind and body. Its soothing properties make this essential oil the perfect choice when you need to relax and enjoy some quiet time.

Place one drop on a diffuser necklace to create a peaceful feeling, ease worry, and calm the mind. Read more about how diffuser necklaces can benefit you.

Reduces Nervousness and Anxiety

Have a speech, presentation, or big performance? Don't let stage fright or nerves halt your big moment. Let lemon balm oil help get you through the overwhelm.

Apply 1 drop of melissa oil to the palm of hands, rub together, cup hands over nose and inhale. Take a few deep, calming breaths this way and let the nerves melt away. This is especially useful to do during a panic attack as melissa can calm a racing heart and lower blood pressure too.

Uplifts Mood and Emotions

Promote emotional well being by adding melissa oil to your daily routine. Its calming and uplifting actions help to balance the emotions. It may also help to remove emotional blocks and instill a positive outlook on life.

5. Promotes Restful Sleep

Besides food, sleep gives your body the strength it needs to work and play. A sedative action makes lemon balm especially useful for nighttime. It can help you fall asleep more peacefully.

Diffuse at night or add to a nighttime cream to encourage relaxation and restful sleep. See our Peaceful Bedtime Blend recipe below.

Relaxing Bedtime Lotion: Take a 2 oz jar, fill it with unscented lotion, add 8 drops of Melissa oil and mix well. Apply to skin before bedtime. (0.6-0.7% dilution)

Boost and Rejuvenate Skin

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this oil helps calm inflamed and irritated skin. It can assist with skin problems and soothe skin conditions, like eczema. Melissa's pleasant aroma makes it a popular choice for balms and creams.

Melissa has stimulating actions on the circulation, brightening a dull complexion. It also has tightening and toning effects on the skin. Use to fight aging caused by free radical damage due to being high in antioxidants.

Give your skin a rejuvenated feeling by adding a drop to your moisturizer or face cream before applying to your face or body. Also try our Skin Rejuvenating Toner recipe, see below.

Assists With Cold Sores

The antibacterial and antiviral properties make melissa useful for treating acne and other skin eruptions, like cold sores. Colds sores are just blisters or sores that occur in the mouth area, they are caused by a virus infection.  Melissa oil can be used topically.

Cold Sore Buster: Take a small dab of coconut oil in the palm of the hand, add 1 drop of melissa oil to it, blend together with finger and apply on the sore. Best if used at the first sign of a cold sore.

10 Melissa Essential Oil Recipes

Are you looking for a way to use lemon balm essential oil in your home? If so, there are many different ways you can incorporate it into your daily routine. Here we will explore some of the best recipes that can be used both in and out of the house. Whether it's an oil-infused bath or a calming blend to diffuse while going to sleep, these recipes have it all!

Where to Buy Melissa Essential Oil?

Melissa essential oil can offer many health and wellness benefits. To obtain these benefits ensure your oil is pure and high quality without fillers or toxins added. Never mistake perfume oils or fragrance oils as essential oils.

Know the company you are purchasing from, ask questions, and ensure they are 100% pure. You will be inhaling and applying to your body, you need to be sure.  Here are three brands I like:

• Plant Therapy
• Edens Garden
• Rocky Mountain Oils

General Essential Oil Precautions

Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.

Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. Plant Therapy clearly labels their oils "KidSafe" on the bottle if the oil can be used for children ages 2–10).

If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), it is best practice to always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues here.

Newbie to Oils? Read More: Essential Oils for Beginners

What are the Best Melissa Essential oil Substitutes?

It's important to research and ensure that the chosen essential oil substitute is safe and suitable for your specific needs and goals. Here are some of my favorite substitutes:

1. Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil has a distinct lemony fragrance with earthy undertones, often likened to Melissa oil. This similarity makes it a suitable alternative, especially when used in skincare recipes, massage oils, or insect repellents.

2. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is a great substitute for Melissa essential oil due to its similar bright, citrusy aroma. It possesses uplifting and refreshing properties, making it an excellent choice to replace Melissa in aromatherapy or homemade cleaning products.

3. Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Sweet orange essential oil offers a similar fresh, sweet, and juicy scent as Melissa oil. It uplifts the mood and promotes relaxation, making it a suitable replacement for Melissa in diffuser blends or bath products.

4. Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil shares a slightly floral, citrus aroma with Melissa oil, making it a favorable substitute. Known for its mood-enhancing qualities, Bergamot oil can be used interchangeably with Melissa in diffusers, perfumes, or stress-relieving blends.

5. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang-ylang essential oil has a sweet and exotic fragrance that can mimic some aspects of Melissa oil's floral aroma. It is often used in natural perfumes or bath products, providing a soothing and calming effect similar to Melissa.

6. Peppermint Essential Oil

Although Peppermint essential oil differs from Melissa oil in scent, it works as a suitable substitute due to its cooling and refreshing properties. Peppermint oil is commonly used for focus and energy, hence can be interchanged with Melissa in blends for increased alertness or concentration.

7. Grapefruit Essential Oil

Grapefruit essential oil possesses a tangy, citrus aroma that closely resembles certain aspects of Melissa oil. Like Melissa, it is known for its mood-enhancing properties and can be used in diffusers, massage oils, or skincare products as an alternative.

8. Lavender Essential Oil

While Lavender essential oil has a distinct floral scent, it complements Melissa oil due to its calming and relaxing attributes. It can be used to substitute Melissa in soothing baths, sleep-inducing blends, or natural skincare preparations.

9. Tangerine Essential Oil

Tangerine essential oil has a sweet, citrusy fragrance that shares some similarities with Melissa oil. It can be used to replace Melissa in diffuser blends, natural cleansers, or during meditation, as it promotes a sense of relaxation and uplifts the mood.

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