Lemon balm
Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm essential oil
Are you looking for a versatile essential oil? Then you'll love the properties of lemon balm. Known for its pleasant lemon scent and calming qualities, lemon balm has been a valued medicinal herb for centuries. In this article, you'll learn more about the botany of lemon balm as well as the psychological and physical effects of lemon balm oil.
Effect
Gently relaxed
Be refreshed
sleep well
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Fragrance fresh, fruity, herbaceous, sweetish |
Origin Italy |
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Helps with Mood swings, sadness, anger, racing thoughts, anxiety, tension |
Ensures Relaxation, harmony, good sleep |
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Quality controlled organic cultivation |
Certification |
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plant part herb |
extraction method |
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Grand Cru Yes |
European lemon balm has long been an important medicinal plant for a range of ailments, from digestive problems and menstrual cramps to nervousness and sleep disturbances. The herb, harvested from the home garden, can be used fresh or dried for teas. Lemon balm's essential oil has a clear, fresh, and bright lemon scent. Because of its lemony aroma, it is often called "lemon balm"—however, the plant is quite sparing with its essential oil. Since it is highly volatile, up to eight tons of leaves are needed to extract just one liter of this valuable essential oil. As it can be irritating to the skin in high doses, proper dilution is recommended, as is usually the case.
botany
Lemon balm, botanically known as Melissa officinalis, belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Originally from the eastern Mediterranean, it has now spread to many parts of the world. The plant reaches a height of up to 90 cm and is characterized by its oval, serrated leaves, which release their lemony fragrance when touched. The name "lemon balm" is etymologically derived from the Greek word for honeybee (melitta), as the plant is a good source of nectar for bees and was often planted near beehives. Furthermore, beehives were treated with lemon balm sap, as its antiseptic properties were believed to prevent the spread of disease.
Lemon balm oil in aromatherapy
The psychological effects of lemon balm oil
In aromatherapy, lemon balm essential oil is used to treat anxiety, nervousness, and sleep disorders. It is described in the literature as having a balancing, invigorating, calming, and mood-lifting effect.
The physical effects of lemon balm oil
The literature describes lemon balm essential oil and its hydrosol as antimicrobial, particularly against herpes viruses, and highlights its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming properties. Lemon balm oil is also used for gastrointestinal complaints and, due to its antispasmodic properties, for menstrual cramps, nervous digestive issues, and heart problems. Always observe the dilution chart (0.5-1%).
Source: Flashcards for Aromatherapy and Aromacare Practice, Krautverlag 2024
Aromatherapy in Practice, Hauck Publishing 2020
Special
Up to 8 tons of lemon balm leaves are needed to produce 1 liter of the valuable essential oil of lemon balm.
Application tip
Above the nose
