It is often confused with Lemongrass because of its lemony smell, and yet Lemon Balm is a plant in its own right. Used as an infusion for both its digestive and soothing properties, the use of Melissa has been common for many centuries. Its hydrosol is just as interesting and recognized for its numerous properties. It acts on stress as well as menstrual pain, digestive problems and even irritated skin. Latin name: Melissa officinalis. Distilled part: leaves
This article was updated on 06/01/2023Who can use it?
It is recommended not to use Melissa hydrosol over a long period in people suffering fromhypotension.
Main properties
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sedative, soothing :
melissa hydrosol acts on the balance of the nervous system thanks to the terpene aldehydes it contains. Thus, it helps calm states of anxiety, stress, nervous fatigue, hyperactivity or even insomnia.
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antispasmodic :
the geranic acid found in Melissa hydrosol allows it to fight against spasms, which can be the cause of menstrual or digestive cramps.
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anti-inflammatory :
geranic acid combined with terpene aldehydes give Melissa hydrosol an anti-inflammatory action. This makes it useful for soothing skin inflammations, among other things, in cases of irritated skin.
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skin tonic :
suitable for mature skin for its ability to fight against skin aging, Melissa hydrosol has a tonic action and thus helps prevent wrinkles. It also helps regulate oily skin.
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digestive :
melissa hydrosol acts on the digestive sphere. Thanks to its antispasmodic action, it fights against stomach cramps and relieves abdominal pain. It also stimulates the liver to promote digestion, and thus helps prevent nausea and vomiting.
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hypotensive :
just like its essential oil, Melissa hydrosol regulates heart palpitations, helping to reduce hypertension. Its composition of geranial and neral gives it a particularly calming action.
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analgesic :
geranic acid gives lemon balm hydrosol an analgesic action which calms menstrual pain or even migraine pain.
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antiviral :
the molecules of geranial and neral allow Melissa hydrosol to prevent winter infections as well as viral infections such as shingles, herpes or even chickenpox.
To fight against Digestive disorders, Digestive spasms
Efficiency: ++
Simple use
From 3 months. Orally, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon balm hydrosol in a cup of hot water.
Use in synergy
From 3 months. Orally, add the following mixture to a glass of water to drink 2 to 3 times a day before meals.
- 1 teaspoon of lemon balm hydrosol
- 1 teaspoon of Basil hydrosol
Source: Dalmas, P. (2012). Guide to floral waters and hydrosols. Paris: Ed. Medici.
In case of' Eczema, Irritated skin
Efficiency: ++
Simple use
From 3 months. Through the skin, apply a tissue soaked in hydrosol to the affected area for 5 minutes, then dab gently.
Against the Palpitations, Hypertension
Efficiency: ++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents, under medical supervision. Orally, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon balm hydrosol in a cup of hot water.
Use in synergy
From 3 months. Orally, add the following mixture to a glass of water to drink twice a day.
- 1 teaspoon of lemon balm hydrosol
- 1 teaspoon of Verbena hydrosol
Source: Falcon M. (2018). Treatise on scientific and medical aromatherapy: hydrosols. Blood of the Earth.
Against the Anxiety, Stress
Efficiency: ++
Simple use
From 3 months. Orally, add 2 teaspoons of lemon balm hydrosol to a cup of hot water to drink before bed.
Use in synergy
From 3 months. Orally, add 1 teaspoon of the following mixture to a cup of lukewarm water, drink 3 times a day.
- 50 mL of Neroli hydrosol
- 50 mL of lemon balm hydrosol
- 50 mL of Marjoram hydrosol
Source: Zahalka, JP (2017). Complete dictionary of hydrosols and floral waters: 100 pathologies treated. -: Dolphin.
For the Oily skin, Sensitive skin
Efficiency: ++
Simple use
From 3 months. Through the skin, spray the lemon balm hydrosol on the affected area, dab a cotton pad soaked in hydrosol locally.
In case of Migraine
Efficiency: +
Simple use
From 3 months. Orally, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon balm hydrosol in a cup of hot water.
Use in synergy
From 3 years. Orally, add 1 teaspoon of the following mixture to a glass of water to drink several times a day until improved.
- 50 mL of Peppermint hydrosol
- 50 mL of lemon balm hydrosol
- 50 mL of Chamomile hydrosol
- 50 mL of Damask Rose hydrosol
Source: Zahalka, JP (2017). Complete dictionary of hydrosols and floral waters: 100 pathologies treated. -: Dolphin.
Against the Nausea (pregnant women)
Efficiency: +
Simple use
For pregnant women. Orally, add 2 tablespoons of lemon balm hydrosol in 1 liter of water to drink during the day.
Use in synergy
For pregnant women. Orally, take 1 teaspoon of the following mixture, 3 to 4 times a day before meals.
- 50 mL of lemon balm hydrosol
- 50 mL of sweet basil hydrosol
Source: Zahalka, JP (2017). Complete dictionary of hydrosols and floral waters: 100 pathologies treated. -: Dolphin.
In case of Painful periods, Dysmenorrhea, Irregular periods
Efficiency: +
Simple use
For adults and teenagers. Orally, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon balm hydrosol in a cup of hot water.
Use in synergy
For adults and adolescents except pregnant and breastfeeding women. Orally, add the following mixture to a glass of hot water to drink twice a day.
- 1 teaspoon of lemon balm hydrosol
- 1 teaspoon of Clary Sage hydrosol
- 1 teaspoon of Yarrow hydrosol
Source: Falcon M. (2018). Treatise on scientific and medical aromatherapy: hydrosols. Blood of the Earth.
Characteristics and composition
Cosmetic features
- Hair type: irritated scalp.
- Skin type: irritated, mature, oily, combination.
Main molecules
- neral
- geranial
- geraniol
- nerol
- geranic acid
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: mobile liquid
- Color: colorless to light yellow
- Smell: fresh, lemony.
- Taste: bitter, lemony.
- PH: 5.0 to 6.0
Botanical characteristics
- Latin name: Melissa officinalis L.
- Botanical family: Lamiaceae
- Distilled part: leaves
- Country of origin: Metropolitan France.
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Bibliography
Publication: Moradkhani H., Sargsyan E., Bibak H., Naseri B., Sadat-Hosseini M., Fayazi-Barjin A. and Meftahizade H., MHSEBHNBSHBFBAMH (2010). Melissa officinalis L., a valuable medicine plant: A review. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, .
Publication: François-Xavier Garneau, Guy Collin and Hélène Gagnon, FXGGCHG (2014). Chemical composition and stability of the hydrosols obtained during essential oil production. I. The case of Melissa officinalis L. and Asarum canadense L.. American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products, .
Work : Zahalka, J.P. (2017). Complete dictionary of hydrosols and floral waters: 100 pathologies treated. -: Dolphin.
Work : Dalmas, P. (2012). Guide to floral waters and hydrosols. Paris: Ed. Medici.
Work : Faucon, M., & Canac, P. (2018). Treatise on scientific and medical aromatherapy, hydrosols (1st ed.). Paris: Ed. Blood of the Earth.
Work : Price, L., & Price, S. (2004). Understanding Hydrosols: The Specific Hydrosols for Aromatherapy. London: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Work : Fernandez, X., André, C., Casale, A., Carénini, E., Hadji-Minaglou, F., & Paris, J. (2014). Hydrosols and floral waters. Paris: Vuibert.