The aromatherapy oil Melissa is otherwise known as Lemon Balm.  The name is taken from the Greek language meaning honey bee as the flower was traditionally planted next to bee hives to produce a particularly delicious honey.  Of all the Aromatherapy Oils Melissa is regarded by aromatherapists to be one of the most medicinally powerful oils in their arsenal.  It has a sweet, uplifting aroma.

Be careful when buying Melissa as many of the oils out on the market are actually a combination of citronella and lemon balm.

Melissa was quoted by Avincenna, an ancient Rome physician as being the ‘elixir of life.’  It has an affinity with the nervous system, the heart and the emotions.  On the emotional level you can consider using Melissa if you are suffering from anxiety, low spirits or melancholia.

Schaubelt, the author of Advanced Aromatherapy writes:

“The way in which melissa oil combines an excellent antiviral component with a soothing but pervasive sedative power is difficult to imagine; it has to be experienced. In its complexity, power, and gentleness, melissa oil perfectly illustrates how nature time after time works better than one-dimensional synthetic medicines.”

It can also be used to treat herpes simplex.  One drop on the affected area a few times a day will reduce the lesion and help it to heal.