Updated: 11/19/2019
Table Of Contents
Melissa essential oil or Melissa officinalis is used traditionally to treat multiple health concerns such as insomnia, migraine, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, dementia, herpes, etc. This oil can be diffused at home, applied topically or taken internally. It also has many other benefits. Would you like to find out what they are? Read on to know more about the benefits of melissa essential oil and its uses.
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11 Best Benefits Of Melissa Essential Oil And Its Uses
I. Benefits
1. Contain Anti-inflammatory Property
Melissa essential oil may be used to deal with various diseases related to pain and inflammation, according to an animal study in 2013,[1]. Plus, the anti-inflammatory agents of this oil may help reduce and inhibit edema that is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in tissues of the body. Thus, melissa oil can be applied topically or taken internally to decrease swelling and soothe pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory activity.
2. Promote Skin Health
Melissa essential oil comes with antibacterial and antifungal activities, which are ideal for skin care. It works wonders in treating acne, eczema, and minor wounds. It is also gentle enough to apply directly to your skin and is beneficial for clearing up skin conditions caused by a fungus or bacteria. It further consists of strong natural astringents, which make it beneficial for people with acne-prone and oily skin.
3. Prevent And Treat Infections
Researchers show that melissa oil may help to stop bacterial infections due to its compounds, including citronellal, citral, and trans-caryophyllene. According to a 2008 study, melissa oil possesses antibacterial activities, which helps fight against Gram-positive bacterial strains, including candida[2].
4. Combat Herpes And Other Viruses
Melissa is an effective herb to treat cold sore since it is useful for battling the herpes virus. It also helps to restrict the spread of viral infections. A study done in 2008 showed that Melissa officinalis oil might be effective for topical treatment of herpetic infections[3]. Researchers suggest that melissa essential oil may help get rid of herpes because it exhibits antiviral effects and can penetrate the skin because of its lipophilic nature.
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5. Decrease Triglyceride Levels
As per a 2012 study, ingesting melissa oil may have beneficial metabolic effects. It slowed fatty acid synthesis, which decreased triglyceride levels when used on mice[4]. Another 2009 study indicated that melissa oil has phenolic alkaloids that may inhibit cholesterol synthesis and reduce the level of liver enzymes[5].
6. Help Decrease High Blood Pressure
Thanks to its antihyperlipidemic, hypotensive, antiarrhythmic, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties, melissa oil may reduce blood pressure levels. According to a 2015 animal study in rats, melissa essential oil is related to significant electrocardiogram alternations[6]. Another animal study found that melissa essential oil decreases the heart rate and increases heart resistance to injury[7].
7. Boost Mood And Fight Depression
Melissa oil contains hypnotic, antidepressant, and sedative properties. It may also help to create a feeling of warmth and peace and enhance the emotional balance. A study conducted in 2013, melissa essential oil was shown to help combat anxiety, depression, cognition, and neuroprotectivity[8]. As stated by another study, in healthy young volunteers, melissa oil has been indicated to adjust the mood and cognitive performance[9].
8. Relieve Spasms
Melissa essential oil is an effective relaxant and sedative, which may give immediate relief from spasms in almost all parts of the body[10]. This condition is an excessive contraction of your body that can happen within the respiratory, nervous, muscular, and digestive systems. Consequently, this can cause severe coughs, convulsions, muscular cramps, severe abdominal pain, and shortness of breath.
9. Reduce Fever
Melissa oil may fight against microbial or bacterial infections in your body, including those that are responsible for fever since it is an antibacterial[11]. Apart from that, it comes with sudorific properties, which aid in reducing temperature and removing the toxins produced during fever through the process of sweating.
10. Boost Brain Health
Melissa oil embraces aromatic properties that have shown to help those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia[12]. During the night, adding to drops of Melissa essential oil to a water diffuser will help relieve stress and calm a stimulated brain. In addition to this, the oil gives a feeling of relaxation to your body, thus treating different mood disorders. Apart from that, it may be used to improve focus and enhance mental alertness.
11. Lower Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Melissa essential oil composes of the anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used to decrease the symptoms associated with menstrual flow significantly[13]. Plus, after using Melissa oil, the mood and fatigue disorders experienced during premenstrual syndrome are improved.
Read more: Top 30 Proven Treatments For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Clots In Women. This article was medically reviewed/fact checked by Millie Lytle ND, MPH.
II. How To Use Melissa Essential Oil
Melissa oil can be diffused in the office or at home, taken internally, and applied topically. For people having sensitive skin, before you use melissa oil on the skin, you need to use a carrier oil. For internal use, begin with very small quantities, one to two drops. Here are a few easy methods to use this oil at home:
- To get rid of skin issues such as eczema, you use five drops of melissa oil per ounce of carrier oil. Alternatively, add five drops of the oil to a spray bottle with water or a moisturizer and spritz it on the face.
- To improve symptoms of dementia, inhale melissa essential oil directly from the bottle or diffuse it every day
- To deal with hypoglycemia, you take a few drops of melissa oil internally to boost healthy glucose levels.
- To treat herpes and cold sores, you apply 2-3 diluted drops of melissa topically to your affected area.
- To help reduce high blood pressure, apply topically to the back of the neck or chest, or take 1-2 drops internally.
- To battle nervousness and vertigo, apply 2-3 drops of this oil topically to the back of the ears or neck to relieve nervousness, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
- To fight feelings of anxiety and depression, diffuse or apply this oil topically to the wrists, back of the ears and neck.
- To remove warts, place a drop of this oil directly on your wart 1-2 times per day with the help of a Q-tip.
- To treat hand-foot-mouth disease, you dilute a drop of this oil with three drops of carrier oil and then apply to your affected areas.
III. Precautions When Using Melissa Essential Oil
- Because melissa essential oil is an emmenagogue, avoid using it during pregnancy. If you use this oil on sensitive skin, you remember to dilute it with jojoba or coconut oil before applying.
- Don’t use it if you suffer from hypothyroidism since it can block the absorption of thyroid medications and reduce thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.
Melissa essential oil has myriad health advantages, so try this oil today! However, ensure not to ingest large doses of this oil. Always consult a doctor before you self medicate. You can read more other such articles by visiting our main Superfoods page. Also, tell us how this article has helped you! Leave a comment in the box below!
References
https://draxe.com/melissa-essential-oil/
https://www.gurunanda.com/blogs/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-melissa-oil
