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Melissa
Botanical Name:
Melissa officinalis
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| Origins |
The
Greeks and Arabs knew the properties of melissa and in the sixteenth
century the Swiss physician paracelsus hailed it as the "elixir of
life" |
| Description |
Mostly a
native of Europe, it is also cultivated in North America. Better
known as sweet balm or lemon balm, it is a bushy perennial of the
mint family. The aromatic oil smells like lemons and is extracted
from the leaves by distillation. |
| Therapeutic effects |
Long
known as an uplifting and calming cure for "melancholia", its tonic,
antispasmodic properties make it effective too in the treatment of
allergies, colds, diarrhea, hypertension, menstrual problems,
migraine and stress headaches, nausea and palpitations. |
| Uses |
Inhalation, baths and massage. The essential oil helps lower blood
pressure and remove tension. Add six drops to the bath water.
Melissa calms the body and mind, yet lifts the soul: an oil to dream
with. |
| Blending
note |
Blends
well with chamomile, citrus oils, jasmine, lavender, rose,
sandalwood and ylang ylang. Cautionary note : |
| Cautionary
note |
- Avoid
to use without dilution. |
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| * This image is 'eye candy' it does not represent the actual plant. |