Home Herbal Spa Bath Ideas

Life can get stressful, and you have earned the right to pamper yourself with an at home spa bath!  Melt the stress away and soak your worries into oblivion in a tub of fresh flower petals, oil infused herbs, or crushed flower bath salts.  Some gentle herbs to include in your bath are rose petals, lavender tops, chamomile blossoms, lemon balm (Melissa) leaves, or jasmine flowers.  These herbs have also shown in human studies to help reduce stress and anxiety.

• Make sure you are using organically grown herbs that have not been sprayed with pesticides or exposed to harsh pollutants.  For fresh grown plants, gently rinse the plants before using in your bath to remove dirt and insects.
• For your spa bath, set the mood.  Get out the fluffy towels, turn on some mellow music, and light candles for added ambiance!
• When your spa bath is done, use a colander to scoop the herbs out of the tub instead of letting them go down the drain.
• Review the research listed below on the anxiolytic effects of rose, lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, and jasmine.

Rose Petals for a Spa Bath

These colorful flowers are luxuriously soft with a caressing aroma.  Pluck about a cupful of sweet rose petals and float them in your spa bath.

Lavender Spa Bath

Fresh or dried, lavender is an herbaceous delight that drifts you into relaxation.  With a mortar and pestle, crush 1/2 a cup of fresh lavender (or a 1/4 cup dried) with 1/2 a cup of sea salt.  Add hot water, then melt your body into this salty floral water.

Chamomile Spa Bath

Wash away the anxiety with a handful of glorious fresh chamomile blossoms.  Or go for a 1/4 cup of dried chamomile sprinkled in your spa bath.  Add to warm bath water, then enjoy!

Lemon Balm Spa Bath

The leaves of lemon balm smell citrussy, and are herbaceously uplifting.  Add a half cup of pink Himalayan sea salt and about 20 fresh lemon balm leaves to your spa bath.  Then enjoy the uplifting aroma!

Jasmine Spa Bath

Jasmine is sensually soothing.  Add fresh jasmine blossoms to the spa bath, or make a jasmine infused bath oil.

Jasmine Infused Oil Ingredients for a spa bath

• 1 cup of fresh jasmine blossoms
• About 1 cup of jojoba oil (or sweet almond, or fractionated coconut)
• 1 sterilized glass container with an air tight lid

Pick jasmine blossoms in the late morning, when the dew has dried, but the blossoms have not yet weakened from the afternoon sun.  Lay the blossoms on a towel inside and allow them to completely dry, about an hour.  Make sure there are no dirt particles or insects on the blossoms.  Then, add 1 cup of blossoms to 1 cup of jojoba oil into a glass jar with an air tight lid.  Next, place the jar on a windowsill and allow the blossoms to infuse into the oil for about 2 weeks, shaking the jar about once a day.  After about two weeks, use a coffee filter or cheesecloth to strain the blossoms from the oil.  Store the oil in a glass sealed jar.  Add about 2 Tablespoons to a spa bath.  This is great for your skin and hair!

It should last at least 6 months (as long as all plant material used had been completely dry and clean, and the oil has been sealed and stored properly).

Research on the Anxiolytic Effects of Rose, Lavender, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Jasmine

Rose for a Spa Bath

• EarthtoKathy Rose Monograph
• Inhalation of rose oil had a relaxing effect and reduced depression and stress in humans.  From:  Hongratanaworakit, T. (2009). Relaxing effect of rose oil on humans. Nat Prod Commun, 4(2), 291-6.
• Lavender, geranium, rose, and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure.  From:  Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.
• R. damascena oil reduces sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from depression.  From:  Farnia, V., Shirzadifar, M., Shakeri, J., Rezaei, M., Bajoghli, H., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., & Brand, S. (2015). Rosa damascena oil improves SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from major depressive disorders: results from a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat, 11, 625-635.
• Inhalation of rose oil had a relaxing effect.  From:  Hongratanaworakit, T. (2009). Relaxing effect of rose oil on humans. Nat Prod Commun, 4(2), 291-6.
• Rose essential oil inhalation reduced stress in humans and rats.  From:  Fukada, M., Kano, E., Miyoshi, M., Komaki, R., & Watanabe, T. (2012). Effect of “rose essential oil” inhalation on stress-induced skin-barrier disruption in rats and humans. Chemical senses, 37(4), 347-356.
• Fragrance inhalation affected the sympathetic nervous system. Pepper, estragon oil, fennel, and grapefruit increased sympathetic activity, and rose and patchouli oils decreased sympathetic activity.  Inhaling pepper oil increased plasma adrenaline levels while rose oil decreased adrenaline.  From:  Haze, S., Sakai, K., & Gozu, Y. (2002). Effects of fragrance inhalation on sympathetic activity in normal adults. The Japanese journal of pharmacology, 90(3), 247-253.
• Rose oil and its constituents of 2-phenethyl alcohol and citronellol produced anxiolytic effects.  From:  Umezu, T., Ito, H., Nagano, K., Yamakoshi, M., Oouchi, H., Sakaniwa, M., & Morita, M. (2002). Anticonflict effects of rose oil and identification of its active constituents. Life Sciences, 72(1), 91-102.

Lavender for a Spa Bath

• EarthttoKathy Lavender Monograph
• Those patients who inhaled a blend of lavender, ylang ylang and bergamot had reduces psychological stress responses, serum cortisol levels, and blood pressure.  From:  Hwang, J. H. (2006). [The effects of the inhalation method using essential oils on blood pressure and stress responses of clients with essential hypertension]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 36(7), 1123-1134.
• This provided a review of studies demonstrating an anxiolytic effect of lavender.  Generoso, M. B., Soares, A., Taiar, I. T., Cordeiro, Q., & Shiozawa, P. (2017). Lavender oil preparation (Silexan) for treating anxiety: an updated meta-analysis. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 37(1), 115-117.
• Both adults and infants showed a reduced depressed affect in their EEG with inhalation of rosemary and lavender.  From:  Sanders, C., Diego, M., Fernandez, M., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., & Roca, A. (2002). EEG asymmetry responses to lavender and rosemary aromas in adults and infants. International Journal of Neuroscience, 112(11), 1305-1320.  L
• Aromatherapy of lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and clary sage reduced stress in nursing students.  From:  Park, M. K., & Lee, E. S. (2004). [The effect of aroma inhalation method on stress responses of nursing students]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 34(2), 344-351.
• Linalool applied to the skin with a mask covering the nose to prevent smelling had a sedative effect in humans.  From:  Heuberger, E., Redhammer, S., & Buchbauer, G. (2004). Transdermal Absorption of ()-Linalool Induces Autonomic Deactivation but has No Impact on Ratings of Well-Being in Humans. Neuropsychopharmacology, 29(10).
• Lavender eased anxiety of subjects undergoing medical procedures by showing a significant increases in parasympathetic activity. From:  Grunebaum, L. D., Murdock, J., Castanedo‐Tardan, M. P., & Baumann, L. S. (2011). Effects of lavender olfactory input on cosmetic procedures. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 10(2), 89-93.
• Aromatherapy with a blend of lemon, lavender, and ylang ylang was effective in lowering systolic blood pressure and the sympathetic nervous system   From:  Cha, J. H., Lee, S. H., & Yoo, Y. S. (2010). Effects of Aromatherapy on Changes in the Autonomic Nervous System, Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity and Aortic Augmentation Index in Patients with Essential Hypertension. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 40(5).
• Lavender aroma reduced task related anxiety.  From:  Burnett, K. M., Solterbeck, L. A., & Strapp, C. M. (2004). Scent and mood state following an anxiety-provoking task. Psychological reports, 95(2), 707-722.
• Inhalation of an essential oil blended with lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli had a relaxing effect and reduced blood pressure in humans.  From:  Kim, I. H., Kim, C., Seong, K., Hur, M. H., Lim, H. M., & Lee, M. S. (2012). Essential oil inhalation on blood pressure and salivary cortisol levels in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012.
• Lavender inhalation had a relaxing effect, causing a significant decrease of blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature. From:  MPham, W. S., & Siripornpanich, V. (2012). The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity. J Med Assoc Thai, 95(4), 598-606.
• Lavender aromatherapy significantly decreased stress levels before needle insertion. From:  Kim, S., Kim, H. J., Yeo, J. S., Hong, S. J., Lee, J. M., & Jeon, Y. (2011). The effect of lavender oil on stress, bispectral index values, and needle insertion pain in volunteers. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(9), 823-826.
• Lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint in an aromatherapy blend reduced depression and pain in those with arthritis.  From:  Kim, M. J., Nam, E. S., & Paik, S. I. (2005). [The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of arthritis patients]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 35(1), 186-194.
• Lavender orally reduced anxiety disorder symptoms.  From:  Kasper, S., Gastpar, M., Müller, W. E., Volz, H. P., Möller, H. J., Dienel, A., & Schläfke, S. (2010). Efficacy and safety of silexan, a new, orally administered lavender oil preparation, in subthreshold anxiety disorder–evidence from clinical trials. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 160(21-22), 547-556.
• Depression and anxiety were reduced in hemodialysis patients with lavender aromatherapy.  From:  Itai, T., Amayasu, H., Kuribayashi, M., Kawamura, N., Okada, M., Momose, A., … & Kaneko, S. (2000). Psychological effects of aromatherapy on chronic hemodialysis patients. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 54(4), 393-397.
• Aromatherapy massage may reduce postpartum effects in women.  From:  Imura, M., Misao, H., & Ushijima, H. (2006). The Psychological Effects of Aromatherapy‐Massage in Healthy Postpartum Mothers. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 51(2), e21-e27.
• Lavender in bath oil may have an improved psychological effect.  From:  Morris, N. (2002). The effects of lavender (Lavendula angustifolium) baths on psychological well-being: two exploratory randomised control trials. Complementary therapies in medicine, 10(4), 223-228.
• Hospice patients inhaled lavender and showed a slight improvement in vital signs, depression, and sense of well-being.  From:  Louis, M., & Kowalski, S. D. (2002). Use of aromatherapy with hospice patients to decrease pain, anxiety, and depression and to promote an increased sense of well-being. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 19(6), 381-386.
• Lavender aroma reduced pre-procedure stress.  From:  Muzzarelli, L., Force, M., & Sebold, M. (2006). Aromatherapy and reducing preprocedural anxiety: A controlled prospective study. Gastroenterology Nursing, 29(6), 466-471.
• Lavender odor reduced mental stress and increased arousal.  From:  Motomura, N., Sakurai, A., & Yotsuya, Y. (2001). Reduction of mental stress with lavender odorant. Perceptual and motor skills, 93(3), 713-718.
• Lavender, geranium, rose, and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure.  From:  Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.
• Aromatherapy massage using lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and lemon reduced anxiety and improved self esteem.  From:  Rho, K. H., Han, S. H., Kim, K. S., & Lee, M. S. (2006). Effects of aromatherapy massage on anxiety and self-esteem in korean elderly women: a pilot study. International Journal of Neuroscience, 116(12), 1447-1455.
• Those who took oral treatments of a product with lavender had reduced neurasthenia or PSD symptoms.  From:  Uehleke, B., Schaper, S., Dienel, A., Schlaefke, S., & Stange, R. (2012). Phase II trial on the effects of Silexan in patients with neurasthenia, post-traumatic stress disorder or somatization disorder. Phytomedicine, 19(8), 665-671.
• A blend of lavender and bergamot essential oils had a relaxing effect in humans. From:  Hongratanaworakit, T. (2011). Aroma-therapeutic effects of massage blended essential oils on humans. Natural product communications, 6(8), 1199-1204.
• Lavender tincture may be an effective adjuvant treatment for mild to moderate depression.  From:  Akhondzadeh, S., Kashani, L., Fotouhi, A., Jarvandi, S., Mobaseri, M., Moin, M., … & Taghizadeh, M. (2003). Comparison of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. tincture and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized trial. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 27(1), 123-127.
• Inhalation therapy of lavender and bergamot was very effective in balancing the autonomic nervous system in patients.  From:  Kim, M. W., Yoo, Y. S., Cho, O. H., & Jo, S. J. (2009). The effects of aroma inhalation therapy on anxiety and heart rate variability in the patients undergoing urodynamic study. Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science, 11(1), 32-41.
• Linalool is the major constituent involved in the anti-anxiety effect of lavender oil.  From:  Umezu, T., Nagano, K., Ito, H., Kosakai, K., Sakaniwa, M., & Morita, M. (2006). Anticonflict effects of lavender oil and identification of its active constituents. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 85(4), 713-721.
• Inhaling lavender oil has anxiolytic behavioral effects.  From:  Shaw, D., Norwood, K., & Leslie, J. C. (2011). Chlordiazepoxide and lavender oil alter unconditioned anxiety-induced c-fos expression in the rat brain. Behavioural brain research, 224(1), 1-7.
• Linalyl acetate works synergistically with linalool as an inhaled anti-anxiety treatment.  From:  Takahashi, M., Satou, T., Ohashi, M., Hayashi, S., Sadamoto, K., & Koike, K. (2011). Interspecies comparison of chemical composition and anxiolytic-like effects of lavender oils upon inhalation. Natural product communications, 6(11), 1769-1774.
• Aroma inhalation decreased test taking anxiety.  From:  Kutlu, A. K., Yılmaz, E., & Çeçen, D. (2008). Effects of aroma inhalation on examination anxiety. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 3(4), 125-130.
• A hot lavender foot-bath created a small but significant change in autonomic nervous system activity.From:  Saeki, Y. (2000). The effect of foot-bath with or without the essential oil of lavender on the autonomic nervous system: a randomized trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 8(1), 2-7.
• Lavender aromatherapy showed modest efficacy in reducing agitated behaviour in patients with severe dementia.  From:  Holmes, C., Hopkins, V., Hensford, C., MacLaughlin, V., Wilkinson, D., & Rosenvinge, H. (2002).
• Lavender oil as a treatment for agitated behaviour in severe dementia: a placebo controlled study. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 17(4), 305-308.  Lavender inhalation may have modified mood to reduce the impression of pain.  From:  Gedney, J. J., Glover, T. L., & Fillingim, R. B. (2004). Sensory and affective pain discrimination after inhalation of essential oils. Psychosomatic Medicine, 66(4), 599-606.
• Linalool has a sedative effects on the Central Nervous System, including hypnotic, anticonvulsant and hypothermic properties, due to an inhibitory effect on glutamate binding in the (rat) cortex  From:  Elisabetsky, E., Marschner, J., & Souza, D. O. (1995). Effects of linalool on glutamatergic system in the rat cerebral cortex. Neurochemical research, 20(4), 461-465.
• Those treated with lavender and massage had reduced anxiety in an intensive care unit.  From:  Dunn, C., Sleep, J., & Collett, D. (1995). Sensing an improvement: an experimental study to evaluate the use of aromatherapy, massage and periods of rest in an intensive care unit. Journal of advanced nursing, 21(1), 34-40.
• Lavender aromatherapy induced relaxation as well as arousal level in young female subjects. From:  Duan, X., Tashiro, M., Wu, D. I., Yambe, T., Wang, Q., Sasaki, T., … & Itoh, M. (2007). Autonomic nervous function and localization of cerebral activity during lavender aromatic immersion. Technology and Health Care, 15(2), 69-78.
• Oral intake of a lozenge containing lavender oil had a calming effect.  From:  Dimpfel, W., Pischel, I., & Lehnfeld, R. (2004). Effects of lozenge containing lavender oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat on electrical brain activity of volunteers. European journal of medical research, 9(9), 423-431.
• Serotonergic neurotransmission plays a role in lavender’s anxiolytic properties.  From:  Takahashi, M., Yamanaka, A., Asanuma, C., Asano, H., Satou, T., & Koike, K. (2014). Anxiolytic-like effect of inhalation of essential oil from Lavandula officinalis: investigation of changes in 5-HT turnover and involvement of olfactory stimulation. Natural product communications, 9(7), 1023-1026.
• Lavender aromatherapy improved anxiety and depression at a women’s clinic.  From:  Conrad, P., & Adams, C. (2012). The effects of clinical aromatherapy for anxiety and depression in the high risk postpartum woman–a pilot study. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 18(3), 164-168.  Link:  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.05.002
• Lavender had an effect on salivary endocrinological stress markers.  From:  Toda, M., & Morimoto, K. (2008). Effect of lavender aroma on salivary endocrinological stress markers. Archives of oral biology, 53(10), 964-968.
• The study suggests use for the oral application of lavender oil in patients suffering from anxiety.  From:  Schuwald, A. M., Nöldner, M., Wilmes, T., Klugbauer, N., Leuner, K., & Müller, W. E. (2013). Lavender oil-potent anxiolytic properties via modulating voltage dependent calcium channels. PloS one, 8(4), e59998.
• Orange and lavender aromatherapy reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients waiting for dental treatment.  From:  Lehrner, J., Marwinski, G., Lehr, S., Johren, P., & Deecke, L. (2005). Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office. Physiology & Behavior, 86(1), 92-95.
• Lavandula angustifolia and Salvia sclaria reduced stress of ICU nurses. From:  Pemberton, E., & Turpin, P. G. (2008). The Effect of Essential Oils on Work‐Related Stress in Intensive Care Unit Nurses. Holistic nursing practice, 22(2), 97-102.
• Oral intake of a product called Silexan was an  effective and well tolerated alternative to benzodiazepines for reducing anxiety.  From: Woelk, H., & Schläfke, S. (2010). A multi-center, double-blind, randomised study of the Lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to Lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine, 17(2), 94-99.
• Lavender and rosemary essential oil sachets reduced test-taking stress in graduate nursing students.  From:  McCaffrey, R., Thomas, D. J., & Kinzelman, A. O. (2009). The Effects of Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils on Test‐Taking Anxiety Among Graduate Nursing Students. Holistic nursing practice, 23(2), 88-93.
• Lavender administered orally reduced anxiety in humans watching film clips.  From:  Bradley, B. F., Brown, S. L., Chu, S., & Lea, R. W. (2009). Effects of orally administered lavender essential oil on responses to anxiety‐provoking film clips. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 24(4), 319-330.
• Lavender reduced anxiety in patients undergoing gastroscopy.  From:  Hoya, Y., Matsumura, I., Fujita, T., & Yanaga, K. (2008). The use of nonpharmacological interventions to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing gastroscopy in a setting with an optimal soothing environment. Gastroenterology Nursing, 31(6), 395-399.
• Lavender scent reduced anxiety in dental patients.  From:  Kritsidima, M., Newton, T., & Asimakopoulou, K. (2010). The effects of lavender scent on dental patient anxiety levels: a cluster randomised‐controlled trial. Community dentistry and oral epidemiology, 38(1), 83-87.
• Lavender and the oil dripping treatment called Shirodhara reduced anxiety. From:  Xu, F., Uebaba, K., Ogawa, H., Tatsuse, T., Wang, B. H., Hisajima, T., & Venkatraman, S. (2008). Pharmaco-physio-psychologic effect of Ayurvedic oil-dripping treatment using an essential oil from Lavendula angustifolia. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(8), 947-956.
• Both mothers and infants were more relaxed after giving baby a bath with scented lavender.  From:  Field, T., Field, T., Cullen, C., Largie, S., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2008). Lavender bath oil reduces stress and crying and enhances sleep in very young infants. Early human development, 84(6), 399-401.  L
• Lavender and Melissa had neuronal depressant and anti-agitation activities. From:  Huang, L., Abuhamdah, S., Howes, M. J. R., Dixon, C. L., Elliot, M. S., Ballard, C., … & Lees, G. (2008). Pharmacological profile of essential oils derived from Lavandula angustifolia and Melissa officinalis with anti‐agitation properties: focus on ligand‐gated channels. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 60(11), 1515-1522.
• Lavender is effective adjunctive therapy in alleviating agitated behaviors in Chinese patients with dementia. From:  Lin, P. W. K., Chan, W. C., Ng, B. F. L., & Lam, L. C. W. (2007). Efficacy of aromatherapy (Lavandula angustifolia) as an intervention for agitated behaviours in Chinese older persons with dementia: a cross‐over randomized trial. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 22(5), 405-410.

Chamomile for a Spa Bath

• EarthtoKathy Chamomile Monograph
• Chamomile may have modest anxiolytic activity in patients with general anxiety disorder.  From:  Amsterdam, J. D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K., Mao, J. J., & Shults, J. (2009). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy of generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 29(4), 378.
• Multiple studies on the uses of herbs for mood disorders were reviewed.  Promising herbs included:  Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort), Piper methysticum (kava), Echium amoenum, Crocus sativus, Rhodiola rosea (golden root), Matricaria recutita (Roman chamomile), Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo), Passiflora incanata (passionflower), and Scutellaria lateriflora (blue skullcap).  From:  Sarris, Jerome, et al. “Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence.” European neuropsychopharmacology 21.12 (2011): 841-860.
• Chamomile may have clinically meaningful antidepressant activity in those suffering from depression.  From:  Amsterdam, J. D., Shults, J., Soeller, I., Mao, J. J., Rockwell, K., & Newberg, A. B. (2012). Chamomile (matricaria recutita) may have antidepressant activity in anxious depressed humans-an exploratory study. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 18(5), 44.
• Aromatherapy massage using lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and lemon reduced anxiety and improved self esteem.  From:  Rho, K. H., Han, S. H., Kim, K. S., & Lee, M. S. (2006). Effects of aromatherapy massage on anxiety and self-esteem in korean elderly women: a pilot study. International Journal of Neuroscience, 116(12), 1447-1455.

Lemon Balm for a Spa Bath

• EarthtoKathy Lemon Balm Monograph
• Memory and calmness was increased while alertness was reduced in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced-crossover study investigated of the effect of extract of M. officinalis on 20 participants. From:  Kennedy, D. O., Scholey, A. B., Tildesley, N. T. J., Perry, E. K., & Wesnes, K. A. (2002). Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 72(4), 953-964.
• In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced crossover study of 20 healthy participants, M. officinalis helped improve cognitive performance and mood.  From:  Kennedy, D. O., Wake, G., Savelev, S., Tildesley, N. T. J., Perry, E. K., Wesnes, K. A., & Scholey, A. B. (2003). Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties. Neuropsychopharmacology, 28(10), 1871.
• Oral intake of a lozenge containing lavender oil, hop extracts, lemon balm and oat had a calming effect.  From: Dimpfel, W., Pischel, I., & Lehnfeld, R. (2004). Effects of lozenge containing lavender oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat on electrical brain activity of volunteers. European journal of medical research, 9(9), 423-431.
• In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, balanced crossover experiment of 18 healthy adults, M. officinalis at a 600 mg dose improved mood and cognitive testing, and reduced alertness.  From: Kennedy, D. O., Little, W., & Scholey, A. B. (2004). Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm). Psychosomatic medicine, 66(4), 607-613.
• A four month, parallel group, placebo controlled trial of 42 elderly people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease showed that taking an extract of M. officinalis over 4 months reduced agitation and improved cognitive function compared to the placebo.  From: Akhondzadeh, S., Noroozian, M., Mohammadi, M., Ohadinia, S., Jamshidi, A. H., & Khani, M. (2003). Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 74(7), 863-866.
• In this double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of 44 adults, a combination of sage, rosemary, and melissa ethenal extracts taken internally improved verbal memory, especially in the older age group.   From:  Perry, N. S. L., Menzies, R., Hodgson, F., Wedgewood, P., Howes, M. J., Brooker, H. J., … & Perry, E. K. (2017). A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial of a combined extract of sage, rosemary and melissa, traditional herbal medicines, on the enhancement of memory in normal healthy subjects, including influence of age. Phytomedicine.
• Lavender and Melissa had neuronal depressant and anti-agitation activities. From:  Huang, L., Abuhamdah, S., Howes, M. J. R., Dixon, C. L., Elliot, M. S., Ballard, C., … & Lees, G. (2008). Pharmacological profile of essential oils derived from Lavandula angustifolia and Melissa officinalis with anti‐agitation properties: focus on ligand‐gated channels. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 60(11), 1515-1522.

Jasmine for a Spa Bath

• EarthtoKathy Jasmine Monograph
• Jasmine oil inhalation has stimulatory effects on the function of nervous system.  From:  Sayowan, W., Siripornpanich, V., Hongratanaworakit, T., Kotchabhakdi, N., & Ruangrungsi, N. (2013). The effects of jasmine oil inhalation on brain wave activies and emotions. J Health Res vol, 27(2).
• Lavender, geranium, rose,and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure.  From:  Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.

By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), LMT, NAHA & AIA Professional Member

Updated: 10/21/18

This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.