(Greek) Resembling a honeybee; in mythology, a nymph Malissa, Mallissa, Mel, Melesa, Melessa, Melisa, Melise, Melisse, Melitta, Meliza, Mellie, Mellisa, Melly, Melosa, Milisa
FAMILY: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
SYNONYMS: Lemon balm, common balm, bee balm, sweet balm, heart’s delight, honey plant.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A sweet-scented herb about 60 cms high, soft and bushy, with bright green serrated leaves, square stems and tiny white or pink flowers.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to the Mediterranean region, now common throughout Europe, Middle Asia, North America, North Africa and Siberia. Mainly cultivated in France, Spain, Germany and Russia.
OTHER SPECIES: Several varieties, e.g. a variegated leaf type, common in gardens.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: One of the earliest known medicinal herbs – Paracelsus called it the ‘Elixir of Life’. It was associated particularly with nervous disorders, the heart and the emotions. It was used for anxiety, melancholy, etc, and to strengthen and revive the vital spirit. Generally employed for digestive and respiratory complaints of nervous origin such as asthma, indigestion and flatulence. It also helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and promote fertility. Effective remedy for wasp and bee stings. In France the leaves are still used a great deal in pharmaceutical and herbal products. Current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for flatulent dyspepsia, neurasthenia and depressive illness.
ACTIONS: Antidepressant, antihistaminic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, cordial, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypertensive, insect-repellent, nervine, sedative, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, uterine, vermifuge.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops.
CHARACTERISTICS: A pale yellow liquid with a light, fresh lemony fragrance. It blends well with lavender, geranium, floral and citrus oils.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Citral, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol, linalyl acetate, among others.
SAFETY DATA: Available information indicates non-toxic. Possible sensitization and dermal irritation: use in low dilutions only. Care must also be taken because this is one of the most frequently adulterated oils. Most commercial so-called ‘melissa’ contains some or all of the following: lemon; lemongrass or citronella.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Skin care: Allergies, insect bites, insect repellent. ‘Melissa in very low concentration is a very valuable oil indeed in treating eczema and other skin problems.’.
Respiratory system: Asthma, bronchitis, chronic coughs.
Digestive system: Colic, indigestion, nausea.
Genito-urinary system: Menstrual problems.
Nervous system: Anxiety, depression, hypertension, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension, shock and vertigo.
OTHER USES: Occasionally used in pharmaceutical preparations. Used extensively as a fragrance component in toiletries, cosmetics and perfumes. Employed in most major food categories including alcoholic and soft drinks.
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