melissa

April 19, 2018

Citral / Lemonal / Geranial / Neral

Citral is an aldehyde mixture of geranial and neral. With a lemony aroma, it can be found in lemongrass, lemon scented tea tree, lemon, myrtle, verbena, Melissa, lemon basil, and lemon thyme. Geranial is the E isomer of citral, and also called citral a. Neral is the Z isomer of citral and […]
April 19, 2018

Citronellal / Rhodinal

Citronellal is an aldehyde found in citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, kaffir lime, and Melissa. Aldehydes have a powerful aroma used in perfumery.  Oxidation (exposure to oxygen) causes potential skin irritation and loss of aroma. Links to Plants Containing Citronellal   RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles […]
April 24, 2018

Nerol

Nerol is an alcohol found in basil, helichrysum, rose, neroli, myrtle, lemon balm, and thyme. Alcohols are the most therapeutically beneficial type of component in an essential oil, and have a low toxicity for safer use with fragile populations (like the elderly).  Alcohols can be sensitizing when oxidized, so proper storage is […]
April 24, 2018

Neryl acetate

Neryl acetate is an acetate ester of nerol as found in citrus oils, fenugreek, Melissa, and helichrysum. Links to Plants Containing Neryl acetate   RESEARCH The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This […]
April 30, 2018

Lemon Balm & Raspberry Chillaxing Slushy

Need to relax and chill out – try this Lemon Balm and Raspberry Chillaxing Slushy!  Also called Melissa, lemon balm has shown in research to be a calming herb that helps with anxiety and insomnia. Lemon Balm & Raspberry Chlillaxing Slushy Ingredients 2 cups of water 2 Tbsp of sugar […]
June 25, 2018

Fruit & Herb Infused Waters

Fruit & Herb Infused Waters are cool, colorful, and refreshing.  Not only do they taste great, but they also offer important vitamins and minerals, and are much lower in calories, and with no chemicals compared to sodas and other typical Summer drinks.  There are a variety of flavors to try, […]
July 10, 2018

Lemon Balm (Melissa)

July 10, 2018

Melissa / Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Research

Latin Name: Melissa officinalis Family: Lamiaceae This plant of the mint family has been traditionally used to help calm the mind and reduce insomnia.  Multiple human studies have shown it has potential in reducing anxiety and depression and in improving memory and cognition.  Lemon balm is also know to help […]
July 10, 2018

Lemon Balm / Aloe Cold Sore Lip Balm

Mouth cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), but could have other causes.  Some studies have demonstrated lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) contains compounds to help fight the virus.  Aloe may also help.  See the research listed below. Lemon Balm / Aloe Cold Sore Lip […]
July 17, 2018

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 […]
July 23, 2018

Using Essential Oils to Balance the 7 Chakras

Plants vibrate waves of Mother Earth’s energy that can help to balance our 7 chakras.  Just as our 7 chakras each have their own designated color and sound, so to can the aroma of a plant and its essential oil be assigned a chakra or set of chakras.  Thus, the […]
July 25, 2018

Lemon Balm Ade Recipe & Mood Boosting Benefits

Here’s a fun twist on your usual fresh squeezed lemonade recipe; try this Lemon Balm Ade!  The recipe is a delight.  It is light, refreshing, and citrusy.  But more importantly, both the lemons and the lemon balm may have a mood boosting effect!  Some studies have shown these herbs may […]