Essential oil of lemon balm: properties, natural remedies and indications on uses. Essential oil of lemon balm for internal use, what it is used for and when to take it.
Melissa officinalis
Everyone has heard of the properties of lemon balm, a herbaceous species used to calm anxiety and for personal care. In aromatherapy and in phytotherapy in general, lemon balm is considered a real cure-all for the mind.
The melissa officinalis is considered one of the natural remedies for anxiety, an ally against stress and other psychosomatic disorders. It acts quickly and is therefore considered a natural anxiolytic.
The essential oil of lemon balm is extracted from Melissa officinalis, a Eurasian herbaceous plant with a pleasant sweet aroma. It is from the green leaves of the plant that the essential oil is extracted by steam distillation.
Lemon balm essential oil: what is it for?
The essential oil of lemon balm brings interesting benefits in different areas of health.
- Helps digestive processes
- Rebalances the female hormonal system,
- It helps when approaching menopause,
- It is a remedy for PMS,
- It has analgesic properties,
- It has calming and sedative effects,
- Relaxes smooth and striated muscles,
- It is considered a natural antispasmodic.
If it is still not clear to you what this essential oil is for, we analyze some uses. Among the other properties associated with the active ingredients of the essential oil of lemon balm, we also mention the anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, antidepressant, sweat and insect repellent.
Lemon balm oil to calm tensions
In aromatherapy, lemon balm essential oil is used to calm nervous tension, loosen nerves, and relieve stress and anxiety. To obtain a relaxing effect and to use lemon balm as a natural anxiolytic, it is possible to prepare a soothing bath.
How to use it? Add 20 drops of lemon balm essential oil to a handful of epsom salt to use as bath salt and dissolve in the tub water.
Natural remedy for sleeping
To prepare yourself for sleep, in addition to a lemon balm-based herbal tea to sleep , you can spread its essential oil into the room using an essence burner. Alternatively, you can take lemon balm essential oil for internal use, paying attention to the instructions on the bottle of the product.
As a natural anxiolytic
If anxiety somatizes with headache, palpitations, cramps … you can use this oil for an anxiolytic massage. Among its uses, that as a massage ointment brings multiple benefits.
How to use it? Just add 5 drops of lemon balm essential oil to a tablespoon of almond oil. Massage on the painful area, around the navel or on the forehead.
Natural remedy for PMS
It is an excellent remedy in case of painful menstruation. Massage the abdomen with lemon balm oil diluted in almond oil or other carrier oil. In the case of PMS, to prevent symptoms, start massages at least 3 or 4 days before the onset of menstruation.
As an antispasmodic
If you have muscle spasms and pain associated with cramps, I recommend that you take advantage of the epsom salt remedy mentioned above.
In case of bloating, nausea, digestive problems and abdominal spasms, you can massage the abdominal area with an ointment given by 30 ml of carrier oil (olive oil), 10 drops of essential oil of lemon balm, 4 drops of essential oil of lavender and 3 drops of lemon essential oil.
For skin care
Lemon balm essence oil can be used for skin care, especially in combination with carrier oil such as wheat germ. It can be used to treat eczema and other skin conditions.
Essential oil of lemon balm: contraindications
Among the contraindications there is that linked to the use of any essential oil: skin irritation and sensitization.
The essential oils should never be used pure but always diluted in a vegetable oil such as almond oil, wheat germ oil, avocado oil or plain olive oil.
If you have very sensitive skin, use very diluted lemon balm essential oil so that you can use it in small quantities and observe possible skin reactions.
When buying, be careful to buy a 100% pure product. The reason? Lemon balm is among the most adulterated essential oils on the market.
Pregnancy
Is it contraindicated in case of pregnancy? No. There are several essential oils that have contraindications in case of pregnancy or breastfeeding but that of lemon balm is not among them.
How to make lemon balm essential oil
Making DIY essential oils isn’t easy. If you have a large lemon balm cultivation you can try your hand at this experiment using a pressure cooker. Instructions on how to make lemon balm essential oil can be found in the article dedicated to steam distillation. The “steam distillation” is the technique used to extract the majority of essential oils from the vegetable parts of a plant.
You can use lemon balm leaves, buds and twigs.
Essential oil of lemon balm, where to find it
It is a very common essential oil and therefore also very adulterated. Before purchasing, make sure of the reliability of the manufacturer.
Essential oil of lemon balm internal use
You can buy lemon balm essential oil for internal use both on online and in pharmacies. In this case, make sure the directions on the label specify ” food grade” or ” food grade “ . Only essential oils with this wording can be used for internal use.
