Melissa Essential oil France
Melissa officinalis L.Botanical family : Lamiaceae
Method of culture : Conventional
Part harvested : Aerial parts
Harvest period :
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
CAS TSCA : 8014-71-9
INCI : Melissa officinalis leaf oil
Herbaceous
Citral like
The plant in depth
Lemon balm or melissa is a hardy herbaceous plant. When rubbed, the serrated oval leaves release a pleasant, refreshing citrus scent, a characteristic that has resulted in its having a number of related common names, such as “lemon balm”, “lemon grass”, “sweet balm” or “lemon melissa.” The essential oil produced from the plant’s greenery has a fresh, herbaceous scent with a typical lemon-citronella note. The melissa plant tops are harvested starting the second year after planting, before the flowering period. They are then sun-dried and distilled.
The properties of melissa leaves have been known since ancient times. The plant can be found in both folk traditions and traditional medicine. It was famous as a key ingredient in Carmelite Water”: This extract made in the Discalced Carmelite convent was used by the ladies of the Sun King’s court and relieved Cardinal Richelieu’s headaches.
The properties of melissa leaves have been known since ancient times. The plant can be found in both folk traditions and traditional medicine. It was famous as a key ingredient in Carmelite Water”: This extract made in the Discalced Carmelite convent was used by the ladies of the Sun King’s court and relieved Cardinal Richelieu’s headaches.
Specifications
| Method for obtaining | Steam distillation |
| Appearance | Colourless to light greenish yellow limpid mobile liquid |
| Constituents | Citral, beta-caryophyllene, methyl-heptenone, citronellal |
Advised uses : Aromatherapy, Perfumery, Cosmetic, Alimentary
