Are you familiar with the Melissa essential oil or the so-called lemon balm oil? In the traditional medicine, this oil took part in the treatment of different health conditions. They include anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, migraines, dementia, herpes and diabetes.
It provides its health benefits when applied both internally or topically.
This essential oil is used in the treatment of herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 or cold sores without the use of antibiotics which can promote resistant bacterial strains. It is also high in potent antimicrobial and antiviral qualities.
11 Health Benefits of Melissa Essential Oil
1. Fights Alzheimer’s Disease
When it comes to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Melissa is definitely the most examined of all essential oils due to its effectiveness. The Newcastle General Hospital’s Institute for Aging and Health has conducted a placebo-controlled trial. This trial had to find out the effectiveness of Melissa oil for agitation in people with serious dementia and people with serious cognitive impairment.
About 72 people with serious dementia were assigned to the Melissa oil or to the placebo treatment group. According to the researchers, there was a 30% reduction of agitation stress in 60% of the Melissa group and in 14% of the placebo-treated group.
There was a general improvement in 35% of the patients with Melissa oil and in 11% of those with placebo. This pointed out the fact that essential oil can significantly improve person’s quality of life.
2. Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agent
According to a research, Melissa essential oil can treat different diseases related to pain and inflammation. The Advances in Pharmacological Science has published a study in 2013 which examined the anti-inflammatory qualities of Melissa oil. The study was conducted in rats by trauma-induced hind paw edema.
When administered orally, it provided significant inhibition and reduction of edema or swelling which result from excess fluid in the body tissues.
So, Melissa oil can relieve pain and reduce swelling when applied topically or taken internally.
3. Fights Infections
It is a well-known fact that a frequent use of antimicrobial drugs can lead to antibiotic resistance. However, a research shows that herbal medicines can prevent such antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have examined Melissa oil because it was able to prevent bacterial infections. Some of the most important antimicrobial compounds of Melissa oil include citronellal, citral, and trans-caryophyllene.
According to a study from 2008, Melissa oil showed a higher level of antibacterial activity than lavender oil against a number of Gram-positive bacteria such as candida.
4. Potent Anti-Diabetic Properties
Studies also have shown that Melissa oil is a powerful anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic agent because of the high glucose uptake, the inhibition of gluconeogenesis and adipose tissue in the liver.
The British Journal of Nutrition published a study in 2010, which showed that when administered to mice for 6 weeks, Melissa oil can reduce the level of blood glucose. Also, the glucose tolerance was improved and there were higher serum insulin levels than in the control group.
5. Improves Skin Health
Due to the antifungal and antibacterial qualities, Melissa oil can naturally treat acne, eczema and minor wounds. You just have to apply Melissa oil directly on the affected area and it will heal the conditions caused by fungus and bacteria.
6. Heals Herpes and Many Other Viruses
When having cold sores, Melissa is definitely the perfect herb that will effectively fight the herpes viruses. Further on, it can prevent viral infections especially in people who are resistant to antiviral drugs.
Phytomedicine has published a study in 2008 which found that high amounts of Melissa oil stopped herpes simplex virus both 1 and 2 types in monkey’s kidney cells by a plaque reduction assay.
The researchers also found that this oil is the perfect treatment for herpes removal due to the potent antiviral properties that can penetrate deeply into the skin.
7. Powerful Anti-Tumor Properties
According to a study in 2004, Melissa oil is a powerful anti-tumor agent because it reduced human cancer cell lines in an in vitro study.
Another study published in Cancer Investigation in 2014, stated that Melissa oil is a potential treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) or the most common tumor of the central nervous system. This study examined the activity of citral, Melissa oil’s major compound in GBM cell lines.
It turned out that this compound reduced viability and induced apoptosis of these cells. So, Melissa oil is a potential natural treatment of cancer.
8. Improves Mood and Fights Depression
Melissa oil is rich in potent hypnotic, antidepressant and sedative qualities which can provide the feeling of warmth and peace. With its uplifting compounds, it can lead to emotional balance.
In 2013, the University of Melbourne has conducted a study which found that Melissa oil can improve depression, anxiety, cognition, and neuroprotectivity.
Also, it can modulate cognitive performance and mood in healthy young people who had no symptoms of toxicity or any side effects. Even with the lowest possible doses, Melissa oil is the best essential oil for the treatment of depression.
