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 06/01/2023It is recommended not to use Melissa hydrosol over a long period in people suffering fromhypotension.
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.
antispasmodic :
the geranic acid found in Melissa hydrosol allows it to fight against spasms, which can be the cause of menstrual or digestive cramps.
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.
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.
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.
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.
analgesic :
geranic acid gives lemon balm hydrosol an analgesic action which calms menstrual pain or even migraine pain.
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.
Efficiency: ++
From 3 months. Orally, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon balm hydrosol in a cup of hot water.
From 3 months. Orally, add the following mixture to a glass of water to drink 2 to 3 times a day before meals.
Source: Dalmas, P. (2012). Guide to floral waters and hydrosols. Paris: Ed. Medici.
Efficiency: ++
From 3 months. Through the skin, apply a tissue soaked in hydrosol to the affected area for 5 minutes, then dab gently.
Efficiency: ++
For adults and adolescents, under medical supervision. Orally, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon balm hydrosol in a cup of hot water.
From 3 months. Orally, add the following mixture to a glass of water to drink twice a day.
Source: Falcon M. (2018). Treatise on scientific and medical aromatherapy: hydrosols. Blood of the Earth.
Efficiency: ++
From 3 months. Orally, add 2 teaspoons of lemon balm hydrosol to a cup of hot water to drink before bed.
From 3 months. Orally, add 1 teaspoon of the following mixture to a cup of lukewarm water, drink 3 times a day.
Source: Zahalka, JP (2017). Complete dictionary of hydrosols and floral waters: 100 pathologies treated. -: Dolphin.
Efficiency: ++
From 3 months. Through the skin, spray the lemon balm hydrosol on the affected area, dab a cotton pad soaked in hydrosol locally.
Efficiency: +
From 3 months. Orally, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon balm hydrosol in a cup of hot water.
From 3 years. Orally, add 1 teaspoon of the following mixture to a glass of water to drink several times a day until improved.
Source: Zahalka, JP (2017). Complete dictionary of hydrosols and floral waters: 100 pathologies treated. -: Dolphin.
Efficiency: +
For pregnant women. Orally, add 2 tablespoons of lemon balm hydrosol in 1 liter of water to drink during the day.
For pregnant women. Orally, take 1 teaspoon of the following mixture, 3 to 4 times a day before meals.
Source: Zahalka, JP (2017). Complete dictionary of hydrosols and floral waters: 100 pathologies treated. -: Dolphin.
Efficiency: +
For adults and teenagers. Orally, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon balm hydrosol in a cup of hot water.
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.
Source: Falcon M. (2018). Treatise on scientific and medical aromatherapy: hydrosols. Blood of the Earth.
Average grade: 4.7 ( 227 votes)
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.