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Melissa is one of the oldest medicinal plants, which is ubiquitous and has a wide range of uses, a pleasant aroma with citrus notes. Also, this herb is famous for its attractiveness to bees and is a good honey plant.
Given the long history of the plant, it has many popular names: lemon mint, honey, honey, beekeeper. Despite its popularity, the resulting essential oil is not cheap, and is often falsified. Finding a 100% natural product is great luck.
The method of extracting lemon balm oil is carried out by steam distillation. For processing use the whole plant (leaves, stems, inflorescences), with the exception of the root system. Visually, the oil is similar to others and there is always a risk of confusing it with lemon and other, fresh, with bitter shades.
How to distinguish fake?
Natural oil is not common in sales. To produce 100 g of essential oil, 100 kg of leaves are processed. The aroma of the extracted concentrate is fuzzy, it resembles a citrus smell, this is what unscrupulous manufacturers use. In the best case, falsify with other oils. Through the collection of lemon balm, not the best parts of lemongrass and lemon oils are driven with vapors. The resulting distillate contains 5% lemon balm oil - and this is not a bad fake option. A significant proportion of lemon balm oil is sold in combination with vegetable oil of not the best quality, while a valuable substance is also only 5%. An ersatz is prepared from a dry collection; according to its properties, this substance cannot be compared with natural essential oil.
The first thing you should pay attention to is the name. It must be written in Latin “Melissa Officinalis”, the additional words “citratum” and “indicum” are not allowed. The instructions should indicate the method of preparation and the raw materials from which the useful substance is made.
The chemical components of lemon balm essential oil
The structure of the oil is rich and unique. It contains over 200 inclusions, among which:
- Monoterpenes (nerol, citral, geraniol).
- Rosmarinic acid.
- Caffeic acid.
- Chlorogenic acid.
- Karnofillen.
- Phytol.
Valuable properties of lemon balm oil
Still distant ancestors used lemon balm oil in folk medicine. Information about his magical actions is recorded in ancient Roman and Greek scriptures. By means of the concentrate, healed of inflammation, indigestion, cramps, restored vision. The ether is distinguished by its natural strength and naturalness. It is appreciated even by people who are skeptical towards traditional medicine.
The basic property of the oil is tuned to improve the body's immune forces, as a result, it becomes resistant to a viral attack. It cures well of colds and flu. It is an effective remedy for lichen, diseases of the digestive system, respiratory tract. Also, his action is aimed at solving psychoemotional problems.
Melissa oil is distinguished by its unique ability to improve mood. To withdraw from a state of melancholy and depression. Eliminates obsessive thoughts. It can bring to life in a shock situation, with panic attacks. Helps to cope with hysteria. Therapeutic hood can relieve headaches, tinnitus, heals cramps.
In case of sleep disturbance, lemon balm oil has established itself as an effective tool. It also promotes concentration, improving brain activity.Expels fears and concerns. Attracts well-being and happiness.
The action of oil on the cardiovascular system is priceless. Recommended for pain in the chest, with tachycardia and arrhythmia. This is a storehouse of healing opportunities for hypertensive patients. It normalizes high blood pressure, removes excess fluid from the body.
Folk doctors distinguish such properties of oil:
- Adaptogenic.
- Sedative
- Antimicrobial.
- Antidepressant.
- Diuretic.
- Choleretic.
- Antispasmodic.
- Antiemetic.
- Antiviral.
- Exciting appetite.
- Antiallergic.
Ether is also used to treat dermatological diseases. He can cure from:
- eczema
- fungus;
- herpes
- depriving;
- furunculosis;
- cuts;
- bruises;
- wounds.
Even among the people, lemon balm oil is considered to be female, since it has a special effect on the female body. Relieves the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, establish a monthly cycle, stop bleeding, and adjust the work of the ovaries. It is a strong analgesic for any pain. A bottle of healing concentrate in a woman’s handbag or car’s glove compartment will not be out of place.
The effect of the essential oil was seen after applying insect bites to places. Itching, swelling, burning and redness passes.
Melissa oil blends harmoniously and complements nutmeg oil, rosewood, fennel, jasmine, geranium and bergamot.
Use in cosmetology
It is impossible to name oil strongly applied in this area. Rather, it has healing properties for the skin. It is applicable for furunculosis, problems with the work of the sebaceous glands, acne, eczema. Valuable is the ability to restore lip color. It can eliminate dandruff and oily shine of hair, as well as give a healthy look to curls.
Contraindications
Despite such an extensive list of unique properties, there is a group of people who are forbidden to use this oil.
- It is forbidden to take during the period of gestation, regardless of the term.
- People whose scope is associated with the use of the vocal cords should refrain from using it. Melissa is able to affect the timbre of the voice, cause perspiration, hoarseness, laryngitis.
In its pure form, it can be used only pointwise for herpes or ulcer due to aggressive action, the oil is not used undiluted for applications and rubbing the skin of the face.
Important! A skin allergy test is recommended. For people with sensitive skin, the amount of oil added should be limited to 3 drops.
Dosage and Home Therapies
The generally accepted opinion that lemon balm calms the nervous system, dispels anxiety and relieves stress is confirmed by the positive effect of taking medications, which include lemon balm.
Important! The term of use for medicinal purposes should not exceed 2 weeks, after which they take a long break. Excessive consumption can cause drowsiness and fatigue.
- Aroma bath and aromatherapy to normalize the nervous system. Add lemon balm oil (5-10 drops) to a bath of water at a comfortable temperature. At the time when therapy is needed, but there is no time to soak in the warm composition, use an aroma lamp with 3-5 (per 15 sq. M) drops of ether.
- Massage. It is ideal to do a relaxing massage using essential oil (5 drops) and base oil (15 ml). By calming the shaken nerves, the oil establishes the measured work of the heart. It is able to expand blood vessels, restore the rhythm of the heart, nourishes tissues, supplies them with oxygen. It normalizes breathing and high blood pressure. Remember that the tingling characteristic of lemon balm essential oil after application to the skin should not bother for more than two minutes. Otherwise, the drug must be canceled.
- Dry inhalations for heart function and health problems. Inhaled melissa odors affect the body at the physiological level.Good effect on the dynamics of the pulse, restores vision, pressure.
- Internal use (flatulence, colic, digestive organs, gall bladder problems). Honey (3 tablespoons) combined with lemon balm oil (5 drops). The mixture is taken in half a teaspoon, twice a day. During periods of changing seasons, with frequent cases of colds and epidemics, the room is saturated with the smell of lemon balm. In terms of effectiveness, it is similar to garlic and has immunomodulating abilities. If the disease happens, there are ways to ease the symptoms.
- Inhalation for colds. Honey (1 spoon) is mixed with lemon balm concentrate (3 drops), diluted in well-heated water. Such a composition breathes for about 20 minutes.
- For headaches. Rub whiskey with lemon balm, pre-connecting with the base. It is important to remember the excessively aggressive effect on the body of oil, therefore, monitor your condition during therapy.
- With an upset menstrual cycle. Apply massage using melissa oils (2 ml), rose oil (4 ml), geranium (6 ml), almond oil (40 ml).
- With PMS. The aroma lamp is filled with a concentrate of oils: lemon balm (2 drops), geranium (4 drops), jasmine (4 drops).
- From oily shine to hair. Take the usual cream (for children), add the concentrate (4 drops), add the esters of bergamot, grapefruit.
- Anti-aging mask in the home. Olive oil (1 teaspoon), egg yolks (from two eggs), honey (10 ml), lemon juice (5 ml), lemon balm (5 drops). All components are mixed. Distribute evenly over the skin of the face, excluding contact with the eyes.
- Care for greasy hair. In the recipe, pharmacy clay is taken for the main substance, melissa and macadamia oil are added (5 drops each). Rubbed into the roots and wrap. Wash off after 15 minutes with running water.
- Tonic in ice cubes. Mix honey (1 spoon) with oil (2 drops), dilute in a glass of warm water. Freeze in ice containers. Apply twice a day. Invigorates, gives turgor to the skin of the face, refreshes the tone.
- Head massage. Take lemon balm, lemon, fir and cedar oils, make a composition based on burdock. Used for active rubbing in the head, normalizes the release of fat from the sebaceous glands.
Recommended dosages:
- To saturate the smell of the room, 2 drops are used.
- Essential oils of 3 drops are added to aroma baths. After administration (5 days), the dose is increased to 5 drops. Essential oil is stirred with milk, honey or soda.
- The duration of inhalation is 5 minutes and it is carried out in a cold form.
- For 10 grams of base oil (macadamia, wheat germ) - 2 drops of lemon balm, used for grinding.
- Oil is added per 100 ml of water (10 drops). Used for quick healing of wounds.
- For massage, a base (15 g) mixed with concentrate (4 drops) is used.
- For inflammatory pathologies of the gums, as well as to make breathing fresh, lemon balm oil (2 drops), tea tree (1 drop) must be mixed with water and rinsed in the mouth.
- Internally, essential oil is taken dropwise with sweet jam, honey. It is recommended to do this 15 minutes after a meal, washed down with yogurt, tea, kefir.
- Add to tea - lemon balm oil (4 drops) is added to 50 g of tea leaves.
- The easiest way to use lemon balm essential oil is to enrich with a few drops the usual cosmetics (creams, shampoos. Balms, tonics).
The oil is aged for 5 years if stored properly.
Video: properties and application of lemon balm essential oil
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