Melissa can be found growing out of iron-rich soil around the world. However, some of the oldest references to Melissa stem from the Mediterranean region. In fact, the word "Melissa" is Greek for "Honey Bee." Even today, Melissa may be found planted near beehives to assist bees with the production of sweet, rich, delicious honey. The plant physically stands approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall. It has very small white-pink flowers and larger, green leaves. The aroma of fresh Melissa is sweet, radiant, soft and lemon-like. *

Features/Benefits:

As a note, Melissa is typically considered a middle (heart) note or a top (head) note. Middle notes are essential oils that possess flowery or spicy scents and may promote emotional balance. Top notes are essential oils that are refreshing and mentally stimulating. Melissa oil uniquely combines a range of beneficial qualities that encompass the range of these two notes. It is often used by people seeking to assist their minds with anxiety, depression, hysteria, panic, hypertension, stress and insomnia. Physically, it is often used by people seeking to assist their bodies with cold sores, migraine headaches, fevers, upset stomachs, allergies, insect bits, racing heartbeats, eczema, high blood pressure, asthma, bronchitis and recurring coughs. For decades, women have found comfort in Melissa oil for irregular menstrual cycles and physical menstrual discomfort. It may also possess extremely strong anti-viral properties as well as mild anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. When feeling overwhelmed, try adding Melissa oil to a warm bath.*

Melissa mixes well with: Geranium Oil, Lavender Oil, Orange Oil, Lemon Oil, basil oil, Roman chamomile oil, rose oil, geranium oil, frankincense oil, lavender oil and ylang-ylang oil.*

When purchasing Melissa oil, as with any essential oil, it is important to purchase an extremely high quality oil. The cost of pure Melissa oil is driven by the Six to Seven tons of botanical material (flowering tops, leaves and stems) needed to produce one pound of essential oil. Melissa oil that may be purchased for a low price, is often adulterated with cheaper oils or may not contain Melissa oil at all. It is not uncommon for companies to sell a blend of lemongrass and citronella oils as Melissa oil. Unfortunately, these cheaper blends do not contain the same uniquely powerful properties as true Melissa oil. As with so many other things in life, you truly get what you pay for, when purchasing "Melissa" oil.*

Chemically Speaking:

Chemically, Melissa oil is naturally comprised of trans-ocimene, cis-ocimene, 3-octanone, methyl hepenone, cis-3-hexenol, 3-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, copaene, citronellal, linalool, b-bourbonene, caryophyllene, a-humulene, neral, germacrene-D, geranial, geranyl acetate, d-cadinene, y-cadinene, nerol and geraniol.

Precautions:

Melissa oil is non-toxic. However, it may cause sensitization and irritation and should be used in low dilutions. Pure Melissa oil can be diluted in a carrier oil up to 1 part per 100 or when applied topically for specific therapeutic reasons, it may be more beneficial to dilute at 10 parts per 100. In General, Melissa oil should be avoided during pregnancy and by people with very sensitive skin.*

Copyright ? 2007 Tawne Bachus

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not provided by a medical professional and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.