Melissa Essential Oil

Melissa Essential Oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and flowering tops of Melissa officinalis. It has a fresh lemony aroma with green, sweet-herbaceous, and softly floral notes and is generally considered a top-to-middle note in aromatic formulations.

Four Primary Constituents and Typical Ranges

• Geranial: approximately 20–40%
• Neral: approximately 15–30%
• β-Caryophyllene: approximately 5–15%
• Citronellal: approximately 2–10%

These are representative natural ranges rather than guaranteed batch values. Composition varies with plant variety or chemotype, growing region, harvest, processing, distillation, storage, and the individual production batch.

Common Uses and Aromatic Properties

This essential oil is commonly used in calming diffusion, bedtime blends, emotionally balancing inhalers, skin-comfort preparations, and delicate citrus-floral perfumery. In aromatherapy, it is traditionally valued for calming, uplifting, antispasmodic, skin-soothing, and emotionally balancing properties. These descriptions refer to customary aromatic and cosmetic use and are not claims that the oil diagnoses, treats, cures, or prevents disease.

Adult Dilution and Use

Citral-rich Melissa should be used at approximately 0.5% for routine topical preparations, equal to 1 drop in 10 mL, and generally kept below about 0.9%. Drop measurements are approximate because drop size varies by oil and dispenser. Begin with the lowest effective dilution and perform a patch test before broader use.

Use With Children

Not recommended for children under 6. For ages 6–12, use approximately 0.25–0.5%, equal to 1 drop in 10–20 mL. Do not use essential oils routinely with children under age 2 unless directed by a pediatric healthcare professional or qualified clinical aromatherapist. Never place essential oils in or near a child's eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or hands.

Safety Precautions

May irritate or sensitize reactive skin. Avoid undiluted use and use caution with glaucoma, thyroid medication, pregnancy, nursing, or highly sensitive skin. For external and aromatic use only. Do not ingest unless specifically directed by a properly qualified healthcare professional. Avoid the eyes and mucous membranes, keep out of reach of children, and discontinue use if irritation or breathing discomfort occurs.