 |
|
Yoga >>
Aromatherapy >>
Aromatherapy Essential Oils >>
Melissa Oil (Officinalis) |
|
Melissa Officinalis
Melissa officinalis or lemon balm belongs to the mint family. It is a perennial herb found originally in Southern Europe but now cultivated all over the world. Its leaves have a soothing citrusy fragrance that is quite similar to lemongrass or lemon. The name Melissa Officinalis comes from the Greek word meaning bee-leaf. This is because the nectar of white flowers of the plant is like manna to bees, which feed on it. Melissa officinalis is in full bloom in spring but apart from its beauty is also known to treat a variety of illnesses and disorders. Traditional medicine regards the Melissa officinalis plant as a treasure trove of restorative and healing properties. It seems almost a ‘go-to’ plant for any kind of condition. From insomnia to stomach problems, poor concentration to venomous bites, there was nothing that could not be treated with Melissa officinalis oil. The plant is full of active compounds that make it an effective cure for so many ailments. For example, Terpenes, one of the constituents of Melissa Officinalis is the reason behind the herb’s calming and carminative properties. Other flavonoids and phenolic acids present in Melissa officinalis essential oil contribute to its positive effects on herpes and thyroid problems. Melissa aromatherapy uses the oil in various ways and strengths to tackle a number of physical and mental health issues till today.
Melissa officinalis Uses
Melissa officinalis when combined with valerian is a safe and effective treatment for children who are restless or suffer from insomnia. It could also increase their appetite. Applying Melissa officinalis cream on cold sores can reduce swelling and redness thanks to the presence of active tannins in this essential oil along with its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
Genital herpes can also be treated with Melissa officinalis. When blended with fennel, dandelion or St. John’s wort, Melissa officinalis oil alleviates the symptoms of colitis, heartburn, inflammation of the colon and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Reports also indicate that the excessive thyroid production in Grave’s Disease can be blocked with Melissa officinalis oil.
As with any other essential aroma oil and herbal treatment, the use of Melissa officinalis essential oil should be carried out only under strict supervision. While the herbal oil is generally safe for use, there might be some Melissa officinalis side effects that only your therapist could warn you about. The relaxing quality of melissa officinalis could result in excessive drowsiness and lethargy in the person. In case this occurs or even worsens, you should contact your doctor immediately to avoid further side effects. When using Melissa essential oil, you need to limit your intake of alcohol and sugar as this can aggravate the sedative power of the herb. If you are pregnant, have diabetes or liver disease due to alcoholism; it is recommended that you avoid this essential oil. Check with your doctor if you are breast-feeding and using Melissa officinalis in any form, as this may not be safe for your baby. Before starting off with any treatment involving Melissa officinalis oil, you will need to inform your doctor or therapist about your medical history and drug usage (prescription or non-prescription). In case you are on any type of sedatives, pain killers, Antihistamines, cough medicines, sleeping pills or anti-anxiety drugs, ask your pharmacist or doctor if it is safe to combine Melissa officinalis oil with any of the above. Thyroid medications are also rendered ineffective when you use Melissa officinalis oil.
Lemon Balm Benefits
Lemon balm or as Melissa officinalis is also known as is considered an anxiety-reducing herb. Lemon balm benefits include healing wounds, reducing pain and calming the mind. Even before the Middle Ages, lemon balm was used to improve sleep and appetite and treat insect bites and stings. Today, when combined with other essential oils, lemon balm oil uses are far reaching. Studies show that lemon balm oil when blended with oils such as camomile or valerian can work as an excellent sedative and reduce insomnia.
How To Use Lemon Balm
Some of the ways on how to use lemon balm are either whole as a dried leaf or as an aromatherapy essential oil. Dried lemon balm leaves can be used as an ingredient in pills, tinctures, oils, extracts, lotions and teas. Ointments and topical creams may also contain lemon balm.
If you opt for lemon balm capsules, dosage is normally around three 500mg capsules daily. To prepare a lemon balm tea you could steep a cup of hot water with 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm leaves. Tinctures and topical creams need to be applied to the affected areas at least thrice daily. Needless to say, all this should be under the strict direction of your doctor or therapist. While natural herbal treatments are ancient traditions, using any herb or essential oil without the supervision of a trained practitioner could trigger off a host of other side effects. |
| Submitted on August 9, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| Melissa Oil (Officinalis) |
|
|
|
