Balm / Melissa

Melissa yields very little oil from the fresh herb, and it is among the most frequently adulterated oils in trade. Common substitutes are lemongrass, citronella or litsea, sometimes with added citronellal. A genuine oil holds a balance of aldehydes and sesquiterpenes that these imitations fail to reproduce.

01 · Origin

Melissa officinalis is a perennial of the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and western Asia, and a bee plant of long standing; melissa is the Greek word for honey bee. This oil is distilled in Bulgaria from the whole plant under certified organic cultivation.

02 · Chemistry

Citral, as geranial and neral, forms the principal aldehyde fraction. Citronellal accompanies it. Beta-caryophyllene is a notable sesquiterpene and a marker of genuine material. Geraniol adds a soft floral tone. The aldehydes make high dilution necessary in any skin application.

03 · In Practice

Lemony and fresh, softer and more honeyed than lemongrass, with a green herbal back note. A top to middle note. Used in very small proportion in massage blends, bath preparations, diffusion and natural perfumery. A single drop carries far in a formula. Blends with rose, neroli, lavender, chamomile, geranium, frankincense and ylang ylang.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.