Melissa Oil

It is also called as common and sweet oil as it is used in high quantities in all kinds of balm due to its soothing properties and sweet smell. It was known as ’Elixir of Life’ by Paracelsus and has been in use since time immemorial. The plant grows up to 80-150 cm tall with leaves which have a lemony-mint smell to them. During summer, the plant bears white flowers attracting bees, hence the name Melissa. Through distillation of steam, the oil is extracted from the leaves, twigs and the stem of Melissa plant.

When used in aromatherapy, it is an effective mood-lifter. The cordial property helps to avoid frequent colds as the oil gives warmth to the body as well as the mind. The soothing oil sedates the mind, hence relaxing and calming the mind and body and curing any spasm. The oil is known to be found in anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and effective ointments/ medications in curing herpes, ulcers and sores.

Except for its medicinal properties, this oil is also useful in boosting memory. This oil is even used in bath oils for relaxing and calming the body and mind. It is used in skincare products because of its soothing properties. It is also a natural mosquito and insect repellent. It is also used in perfumes, soaps and cosmetics. The food industry too makes extensive use of the oil due to its zingy lemony aroma and flavor.

This oil is very expensive oil; hence it is generally found adulterated with lemongrass oil, lemon and lemon verbena, which all are comparatively much cheaper, hence making this oil much cheaper to buy. The plant has a very low yield of this oil due to high water content; therefore it is priced very high. In order to obtain unadulterated pure oil, large quantities of Melissa plant need to be sed.

The therapeutic properties of the oil will be produced only when the oils are pure and unadulterated, or else the desired effect will not be achieved during the aroma therapy.