Lemon balm
Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm essential oil
Are you looking for an essential oil with versatile uses? Then you'll be intrigued by the properties of lemon balm. Known for its pleasant lemony scent and calming properties, lemon balm has been a valued medicinal herb for centuries. Learn more about the botany of lemon balm as well as the psychological and physical benefits of lemon balm oil.
Effect
Gently relaxed
Be refreshed
Sleep well
| Fragrance fresh, fruity, herbaceous, sweet |
Origin Italy |
| Helps with Emotional fluctuations, sadness, anger, racing thoughts, fear, tension |
Provides relaxation, harmony, good sleep |
| Quality certified organic farming |
Certification |
| Plant part leaves |
Extraction method |
| Grand Cru yes |
|
European lemon balm has long been an important medicinal plant for issues ranging from digestive problems and menstrual pain to nervousness and sleeplessness. The herb, harvested in the home garden, can be used fresh or dried in teas. Lemon balm essential oil has a lemony, clear, fresh, and bright scent. Known for its lemony scent, the plant is very sparing with its essential oil. Because it is highly volatile, up to eight tons of leaves are needed to extract one liter of the valuable essential oil from lemon balm. Since it can be a skin irritant in high doses, a sensible dilution is recommended, as always.
Botany
Lemon balm, botanically known as *Melissa officinalis*, belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Originally from the eastern Mediterranean, it has now spread throughout many parts of the world. The plant reaches a height of up to 90 cm and is characterized by its egg-shaped, serrated leaves, which emit a lemony scent when touched. The name "Melissa" is etymologically derived from the Greek word for honeybee (melitta), as the plant is an excellent food source for bees and was often planted in front of beehives. In addition, beehives were treated with lemon balm sap, as its antiseptic properties were believed to counteract the spread of disease.
Lemon balm oil in aromatherapy
The psychological effect of lemon balm oil
In aromatherapy, lemon balm essential oil is used to treat anxiety, nervousness, and sleep disorders. It is described in literature as having a balancing, invigorating, calming, and mood-enhancing effect.
The physical effect of lemon balm oil
In literature on lemon balm essential oil, its hydrosol is described as antimicrobial, particularly against herpes viruses, and points to its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and calming properties. Lemon balm oil is also used for gastrointestinal complaints and, due to its antispasmodic properties, for menstrual cramps, nervous digestive disorders, and heart complaints. Always follow the dilution table (0.5-1%).
Source: Learning cards for aromatherapy and aroma care practice, Krautverlag 2024,
Practical Aromatherapy, Hauck Verlag 2020
Feature
To produce 1 liter of the valuable essential oil of lemon balm, up to 8 tons of lemon balm leaves are needed.
Application tip
Inhalation, especially through the nose
