Melissa Essential Oil

Melissa Essential Oil (Lemon balm)

INCI name: Melissa officinalis leaf oil

Country of Origin: Bulgaria

Use: Anti-viral. I use this oil in treatment for cold sores (herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1), but use it in a blend as it's too strong to use neat on the sore. If you make a blend or balm to apply to the cold sore, ensure it is not contaminated during application ie. do not apply with finger or cotton bud and then return that to the blend. Lavender oil is also useful for treatment and would work well blended with Melissa oil.

Note: Please note that 2ml of melissa oil comes in a 5ml container. The oil is extremely precious yet very potent so a tiny amount goes along way.

Scent: Fresh, sharp, lemoney scent.

Cautions: Dilute in a carrier oil before using on your skin (including in the bath). Can be sensitising to the skin, so do not use above 2% in a blend.