Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis.
Main Constituents:
Neral: 19.6%
Geranial: 30.7%
Plant Part: Leaves
Origin: Slovenia
Processing Method: Steam Distilled
1. Improves Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Researchers found that 60 percent of the melissa oil group and 14 percent of the placebo-treated group experienced a 30 percent reduction of agitation scores. There was an overall improvement in agitation in 35 percent of patients receiving melissa oil and 11 percent in those treated with placebo, suggesting that quality of life was improved significantly with essential oil treatment. (1)
2. Possesses Anti-inflammatory Activity
The anti-inflammatory properties of oral administration of melissa oil showed a significant reduction and inhibition of edema, which is swelling caused by excess fluid that is trapped in the body
3. Prevents and Treats Infections
Melissa oil has been evaluated by researchers for its ability to stop bacterial infections. The most important identified compounds in melissa oil that are well-known for their antimicrobial effects are citral, citronellal and trans-caryophyllene.
4. Has Anti-diabetic Effects
Studies suggest that melissa oil is an efficient hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic agent, probably due to enhanced glucose uptake and metabolism in the liver, along with adipose tissue and the inhibition of gluconeogenesis in the liver.
5. Promotes Skin Health
Melissa oil is used for naturally treating eczema, acne and minor wounds, as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s gentle enough to apply directly to the skin and helps clear up skin conditions that are caused by bacteria or fungus.
6. Treats Herpes and Other Viruses
Melissa is often the herb of choice for treating cold sores, as it’s effective at fighting viruses in the herpes virus family. It can be used to inhibit the spread of viral infections, which can be especially helpful for people who have developed a resistance to commonly used antiviral agents.
7. Serves as a Potential Anti-Tumor Agent
A 2004 study found that melissa essential oil has potential as an anti-tumor agent, as evidenced by a reduction of human cancer cell lines when evaluated in an in vitro study.
8. Boosts Mood and Aids in Fighting Depression
Melissa essential oil has antidepressant, hypnotic and sedative properties, and it may create a feeling of peace and warmth. It can promote emotional balance and has uplifting compounds.
9. May Help Reduce High Blood Pressure
Melissa oil has the power to lower blood pressure levels because of its hypotensive, antihyperlipidemic, antiarrhythmic, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective properties.
10. Reduces Triglyceride Levels
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that ingesting melissa oil could have beneficial metabolic effects. When used on mice, melissa oil slowed fatty acid synthesis (a process that creates fatty buildups in the body), which reduced triglyceride levels
11. Relieves PMS and Menstrual Symptoms
A 2015 study published in Nursing and Midwifery Studies assessed the effect of melissa essential oil capsules on the intensity of PMS symptoms. A hundred high school girls participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The intervention group participants received a capsule with 1,200 milligrams of melissa oil from the first to the last day of their menstrual cycles for three consecutive cycles. The second group received the placebo. The results revealed a significant reduction in PMS symptoms for the intervention group, suggesting that melissa oil is effective in reducing PMS symptoms.
