8 Benefits and Uses of Melissa Oil

Many people refer to melissa essential oil as lemon balm due to its distinctive citrusy scent that enables it to be blended with similar smelling oils.

Most famously, the oil is used as a home remedy to treat cold sores, although there are plenty of other ailments and conditions it may be able to help.

The Ancient Greeks and Romans recognised its ability to boost mood and memory, whilst more recently, studies into its effect on the heart, skin and blood has produced some positive outcomes.

This article will help you discover everything you need to know about melissa oil benefits, along with its history, how to include it in your wellness routine and much more.

How does melissa oil work?

Melissa oil is rich in citronellal, which is believed to help relax the body and mind, whilst it also contains the neral compound, which is responsible for giving the oil its citrusy, lemon-like scent.

Phenolic acids such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid are also present, which can act as natural antioxidants.

The benefits of melissa oil can also be delivered through flavonoids like rhamnocitrin, quercetin and luteolin, which have the potential to provide anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.

What are the benefits of melissa oil?

The benefits of melissa essential oil could allow it to:

1. Provide strong anti-inflammatory protection

Melissa oil could offer relief from pain or discomfort caused by inflammation due to its natural properties.

Researchers found that edema – a swelling caused by fluid trapped in the body’s tissue – could be significantly reduced by the application of melissa oil by reducing pain and inflammation in the affected area. [1]

This is something you could try by diluting melissa essential oil with a carrier oil and applying it to swollen joints or muscles to provide some relief.

Whilst some sources suggest that ingesting the oil may offer similar effects, it is recommended that essential oils should never be consumed as it could cause serious health complications.

2. Help prevent infections

A variety of studies have been conducted that suggest melissa oil could have a positive effect on a host of bacteria strains and the infections they evolve into.

For example, in 2008, researchers tested the oil’s effectiveness on several types of complex bacteria, including candida. [3]

They found that the oil contained a surprisingly high amount of antibacterial activity – even more than lavender oil, which is renowned for its antibacterial content.

This could be due to the presence of compounds like citronellal, citral and trans-caryophyllene, which all contain antimicrobial properties.

3. Promote better skin health

The antibacterial properties of melissa oil have seen it gain a reputation for improving skin health, with people using it to treat eczema, acne, psoriasis and other similar conditions.

Researchers conducted a study in 2020 to test the effects of using melissa extract on mice with psoriasis. [4]

They found that use of the extract could significantly contribute to the treatment of the condition, helping to improve moisture levels and enhance skin barrier function.

It is believed this is because of the antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant, which could all be beneficial for skin health.

4. Treat cold sores

Some people can experience cold sores 2-3 times a year and it is believed that the vast majority of adults have herpes simplex antibodies in their system as they have had the virus at some point in their lives.

Melissa oil is often used as a natural remedy for cold sores as it can help to inhibit the spread of all viral infections in the herpes family.

A 2008 study found that more than one strain of the herpes virus could be eliminated by melissa oil, leading researchers to the conclusion that it could be used as an effective treatment. [5]

The lipophilic nature of the oil is just as important as its antiviral properties, as this allows the oil to easily dissolve into the skin to combat the virus.

5. Help to lift mood

The aromatherapeutic benefits of melissa oil could allow it to work as an effective sedative and antidepressant, helping people to relax and feel more in control of heightened emotions.

Researchers have put some of these claims under the microscope and found that melissa essential oil was not only able to offer relief for symptoms of depression and anxiety, but it also helped to boost cognition overall. [6]

A separate study published some years earlier also produced similar results, finding that even when participants were exposed to low doses of the oil it allowed them to feel calmer. [7]

6. Improve Alzheimer’s disease symptoms

The natural properties of melissa essential oil have been extensively studied for their ability to treat Alzheimer’s, which has produced some very positive results.

For example, a placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 2002 using melissa oil aromatherapy treatment to see how it could help people with severe dementia. [8]

60% of the melissa oil group saw a 30% reduction in agitation scores, which suggested it could be used as an effective treatment.

However, it should be noted that a follow up study in 2011 stated that there was no notable impact on those who took the placebo compared to those who received the aromatherapy treatment.

Researchers involved in the follow-up study did use what they refer to as a more “rigorous design” so whilst there is conflicting evidence, melissa oil may still be effective under certain conditions.

7. Offer anti-diabetic activity

There have been suggestions that melissa oil could be an effective anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) agent, which may be due to its ability to enhance metabolism in the liver and boost glucose uptake.

The results of a rodent study in 2010 found that compared to a control group, administering melissa essential oil to mice for six weeks enabled blood glucose levels to drop significantly, whilst also boosting serum insulin levels and glucose intolerance, which can all have a positive effect on diabetes symptoms. [9]

8. Reduce high blood pressure

In 2015, researchers conducting an animal study found that melissa extract could be linked to significant electrocardiogram alterations in rats, which offered some promise for its ability to ease high blood pressure. [10]

One year later, a separate study also found that the heart rate of injured rats could be lowered, whilst also bolstering the heart’s resistance to injury. [11]

A 2021 review focussing on the benefits of melissa oil also concluded that although more research is needed, there is enough promising evidence to suggest that melissa oil could have a positive impact on cardiovascular activity.[12]

How do you use melissa oil?

The many different uses of melissa oil allow it help people treat their mind and body, with some of the most popular methods being as:

An aromatherapy treatment

The light, lemony aroma of melissa oil is a firm favourite with those who enjoy summary, herbaceous scents in their home.

Melissa oil benefits include its ability to promote relaxation and increase positivity, which can be invaluable in times of high anxiety or stress.

You can diffuse the oil or add a few drops to an oil burner or even place a few drops onto a handkerchief and inhale as and when you need a lift.

A skincare lotion

Melissa oil benefits can also be enjoyed through topical application and by including it in your daily skincare routine it can help to reduce the build-up of bacteria on the skin.

As we mentioned earlier in the article, some studies indicate that the oil could reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, acne and eczema.

Simply dilute with a carrier oil of choice and apply to the affected area – although first-time users should complete a patch test before using it on large areas of skin.

What is the history of melissa oil?

Renowned herbalist John Evelyn once described melissa oil as the “ruler of the brain” due to its reputed ability to lift mood and boost memory recall.

Swiss physician Paracelsus – who is referred to as the “father of toxicology” – had such unwavering faith in the oil that he believed it had the potential to completely revive a man.

The Greeks and Romans were regular users of melissa oil, before it eventually found its way to the Americas via the newly arrived colonists.

Its reputation in the western world has continued to grow ever since, which was helped in no small part by the 3rd President of America, Thomas Jefferson, who was said to cultivate the herb in his personal gardens.

Melissa oil has been consistently used for its cheering, uplifting effects for centuries – an impressive endurance that shows just how special the oil is.

Melissa Oil FAQs

What are the risks of using melissa essential oil?

Melissa oil uses vary depending on the condition or ailment that needs to be treated but in general, most people should be able to apply it without any issue.

You should not consume melissa essential oil (or any other essential oil) and if you are using it for the first-time, it is advisable to complete a patch test.

What does melissa essential oil smell like?

Even though melissa essential oil is part of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, it has a distinct lemony scent, which is sometimes described as grassy.

It is most commonly blended with lavender oil, although it also goes well with ylang ylang, basil, geranium, rose, chamomile and frankincense.

Is melissa oil good for hair?

The antimicrobial properties of melissa oil could make it useful for the treatment of dandruff, as it is believed that dandruff is caused by yeast overgrowth.

The skin moisturising properties of melissa essential oil could also help to prevent the development of dry and flaky scalps, which is often a symptom of dandruff.