11 health benefits of Melissa essential oil!
Melissa essential oil , also known as lemon balm oil , is used in traditional medicine to treat a number of health concerns , including insomnia , anxiety , migraines , hypertension , diabetes , herpes , and dementia .
This lemon-scented oil can be applied topically, taken internally, or diffused at home . One of the most well-known benefits of lemon balm essential oil is its ability to treat cold sores, or herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, naturally and without the need for antibiotics that can increase the growth of resistant bacterial strains in the body.
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Its antiviral and antimicrobial properties are just some of the potent and therapeutic qualities of this important essential oil.
What is lemon balm oil?
Melissa oil is a member of the Lamicaceae (mint) family, and the oils are extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and flowers. Melissa is a medicinal plant native to the Eastern Mediterranean region and Western Asia.
The herb has been used since ancient times for its many therapeutic properties. Melissa essential oil is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic and antidepressant properties. It has a delicate, lemony aroma that promotes emotional balance and boosts skin health .
One of the main benefits of Melissa essential oil is its antioxidant property, which is due to the presence of special compounds. Researchers have identified 70 active compounds in melissa essential oil , including geranial, germacrene, neral and citronel.
Due to its medicinal properties, melissa essential oil has been used in many scientific studies to examine the effects of Alzheimer’s disease , memory , learning, and depression .
While not one of the most well-known essential oils, melissa essential oil has been used therapeutically for hundreds of years. In the 14th century, it was included in tonic water made by French Carmelite nuns.
In the 16th century, the famous philosopher, physician, and botanist Paracelsus called the herb “The Elixir of Life,” while the 17th-century writer and gardener John Evelyn described it as “sovereign for the brain , strengthening memory and powerfully warding off melancholy.” .
Melissa essential oil benefits :
1. Helps Treat Alzheimer’s Symptoms:
Melissa is probably one of the most studied essential oils for its ability to serve as a natural treatment for Alzheimer’s disease , and it’s probably one of the most effective.
Scientists conducted a placebo-controlled study to determine the relationship of Melissa essential oil to agitation in people with severe dementia , which is a frequent and important problem, especially for patients with severe cognitive impairment.
72 patients with clinically significant agitation in the context of severe dementia were randomly assigned to the lemon balm essential oil group and the placebo treatment group. The researchers found that 60% of the melissa oil group and 14% of the placebo group had a 30% reduction in agitation scores.
There was an overall improvement in agitation in 35% of patients who received Melissa Essential Oil and 11% in those treated with placebo, suggesting that quality of life significantly improved with the essential oil treatment.
2. It has anti-inflammatory activity:
Research has shown that Melissa essential oil can be used to treat various ailments associated with inflammation and pain. A 2013 study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of lemon balm essential oil using trauma-induced hind paw edema in rats.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Melissa essential oil have shown significant reduction and inhibition of edema, which is swelling caused by excess fluid that is trapped in the tissues of the body.
The results of this study and many others suggest that melissa oil can be taken internally or applied topically to reduce swelling and relieve pain due to its anti-inflammatory activity.
3. Prevents and treats infections:
As many of us already know, the widespread use of antimicrobial agents causes resistant bacterial strains, which can seriously compromise the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment thanks to this antibiotic resistance.
Research suggests that the use of herbal medicines can be a preventive measure to prevent the development of resistance to synthetic antibiotics associated with therapeutic failures. Melissa essential oil has been evaluated by researchers for its ability to stop bacterial infections .
The most important compounds identified in Melissa essential oil that are well known for their antimicrobial effects are citral, citronellarium and trans-caryophyllene. A 2008 study showed that melissa oil had a greater degree of antibacterial activity than lavender oil against Gram-positive bacterial strains, including Candida.
4. It has anti-diabetic effects:
Studies suggest that melissa essential oil is an efficient hypoglycemic and antidiabetic agent, likely due to increased glucose uptake and metabolism in the liver , along with adipose tissue and inhibition of gluconeogenesis in the liver .
A 2010 study found that when mice were given lemon balm essential oil for six weeks, they had significantly reduced blood glucose levels, improved glucose tolerance, and significantly higher serum insulin levels compared to the control group, all of which which can reduce the symptoms of diabetes .
5. Promotes skin health:
Melissa oil is used to naturally treat eczema , acne, and minor wounds as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. In studies involving topical use of lemon balm essential oil , healing times were found to be statistically better in groups treated with lemon balm essential oil .
It is gentle enough to apply directly to the skin and helps to clear up skin problems caused by bacteria or fungi.
6. Treat herpes and other viruses:
Melissa is often the herb of choice for treating cold sores as it is effective in fighting viruses in the herpes virus family . It can be used to inhibit the spread of viral infections, which can be especially useful for people who have developed a resistance to commonly used antiviral agents.
A 2008 study found that higher concentrations of lemon balm essential oil nearly abolished herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 completely when it was tested in monkey kidney cells using a plaque reduction test.
Researchers suggest that Melissa essential oil serves as a suitable topical treatment to eliminate herpes because it has antiviral effects and is able to penetrate the skin due to its lipophilic nature.
7. Serves as a potential antitumor agent:
A 2004 study found that melissa essential oil has potential as an antitumor agent, as evidenced by a reduction in human cancer cells when evaluated in an in vitro study.
Another study found that melissa oil may be of potential interest for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which are tumors that arise in the tissue supporting the brain . The study investigated the activity of melissa essential oil and its main citral component in GBM cell lines.
Both melissa essential oil and citral decreased the viability and induced apoptosis of GBM cells with their antioxidant effects, showing their potential as a natural cancer treatment .
8. Boosts mood and helps fight depression:
Melissa essential oil has antidepressant, hypnotic and sedative properties and can create a feeling of peace and warmth. It manages to promote emotional balance and has inspiring compounds.
A 2013 study conducted at the University of Melbourne found that the effects of lemon balm oil can help improve anxiety , depression and cognition. Melissa oil has also been shown to modulate mood and cognitive performance in healthy young people, who reported no side effects or symptoms of toxicity.
9. Helps to reduce high blood pressure:
Melissa oil has the power to lower blood pressure levels because of its hypotensive, antihyperlipidemic, antiarrhythmic, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective properties. A 2015 animal study found that lemon balm oil is associated with significant electrocardiographic shifts in rats.
An electrocardiogram is a test that is used to check for problems with your heart ‘s electrical activity . Another animal study, conducted in 2016, found that lemon balm oil lowers the heart rate of injured mice and increases heart resistance .
10. Reduces triglyceride levels:
A 2012 study suggests that consuming lemon balm oil could have beneficial metabolic effects. When used in mice, lemon balm oil slowed down fatty acid synthesis (a process that creates fatty accumulations in the body), which lowered triglyceride levels .
Another study, conducted in 2009, found that lemon balm oil contains phenolic alkaloids which are among the properties that can inhibit cholesterol synthesis and lead to lower cholesterol levels, total lipid levels, and reduced levels of lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. .
11. Relieves PMS and menstrual symptoms:
A 2015 study evaluated the effect of Melissa oil capsules on the intensity of PMS symptoms . One hundred high school girls participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Participants in the intervention group received a capsule containing 1,200 milligrams of lemon balm oil from the first to the last day of their menstrual cycles for three consecutive cycles. The second group received the placebo.
The results revealed a significant reduction in PMS symptoms for the intervention group, suggesting that Melissa Essential Oil is effective in reducing PMS symptoms .
How to use:
You can find Melissa essential oil at some health stores and online. Melissa essential oil is one of the more expensive essential oils, but it is well worth the investment. Don’t be fooled by cheaper products; The highest quality, 100 percent pure grade, five milliliter bottles of Melissa essential oil range in price.
Be sure to read the label carefully and only buy melissa oil (or any essential oil) from a reputable, reputable company. This is particularly important if you plan to use the oil internally.
Melissa essential oil can be diffused at home, applied topically, or taken internally. For people with sensitive skin , use a carrier oil before using Melissa essential oil on your skin .
For internal use, start with very small amounts – one to two drops – and if you plan on taking any essential oil internally for an extended period of time, do so under the care of your doctor.
Here are some easy ways to use lemon balm essential oil at home:
- To improve symptoms of dementia , diffuse melissa essential oil daily or inhale directly from the bottle;
- To treat skin conditions such as eczema , use five drops with a little carrier oil, especially for use on the face. Alternatively, you can add five drops to a moisturizer or a spray bottle of water and spray on your face.
- To treat cold sores and herpes , apply two to three diluted drops of melissa topically to the area of concern;
- For hypoglycemia, apply a few drops internally to promote healthy glucose levels;
- To combat feelings of depression and anxiety , diffuse or apply oil topically to wrists, back of neck and ears;
- To eliminate vertigo and nervousness, apply two to three drops topically to the back of the neck or ears to relieve nervousness, nausea , vomiting , and dizziness. Melissa essential oil can also be taken internally by adding a drop to water or tea;
- To relieve hypertension , apply topically to the chest or back of the neck, or consume one to two drops internally.
Precautions:
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Avoid use during pregnancy as Melissa essential oil is an emmenagogue (a medication that causes menstruation). If you use melissa on sensitive skin , dilute it with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or jojoba oil ) before application.