Lisa Blainey-Lewin 

Melissa officinalis often referred to as simply Melissa or Lemon Balm is regarded by Aromatherapists as impossible to buy pure.  Why? Because the yield is very low when distilled into Essential Oil so most manufacturers add Citronella or another substance  to the oil to make it more profitable to sell. As an Aromatherapist I wanted to be 100% sure the Essential Oil from Young Living was 100% pure. 

  That is why  I went and worked in the Melissa Fields in Idaho this last July 2010.  Staying onsite in a tent, I was very grateful to Marcie and Jessica who prepared hearty healthy food and kept the shared washroom facilities clean.  I enjoyed the cameradie with farm staff and all 23 of us Young Living Distributors helping with the harvest.  Yes I was a participant in the entire process from swathing to pitchforking and distilling.  If I go again I will do weight training before I leave to help me build up my muscles and lift the full load with the pitchfork!  The farm is at high altitude, a small hub of farmland surround by forestry, no pollutants or chemicals drift onto this pristine farmland.

  Young Living grows this Melissa with love and this care and attention extends to the harvest.  Choosing to involve as little mechanical harvesting as possible to avoid bruising the Melissa.  First the crop is testing until the glucose level is 'just right' for harvest and then its all hands on deck to harvest as quick as possible. Next the cut plant is rested for 24hours, this helps release more essential oil and micro components into the oil.  Next into the distiller and the 'distillers dance' .  The interesting difference between how Young Living distills and other companies is both the time, pressure and end product.  Young Living wants all the microcomponents in the finished oil, this is what gives you the true synergy and theraputic effect of the essential oil.  

   The smell in the large distillation shed was amazing. I was grateful to bring a small quantity of Melissa Floral Water home and to participate in a 'hard work', and rewarding experience.

Melissa Essential Oil 

Melissa (Melissa officinalis) is steam distilled and has a light, fresh, lemony scent that is strengthening and revitalizing, yet soothing and calming. It was an important ingredient in Carmelite water (distilled in France since 1611 by members of the Carmelite Order). Several studies report that melissa may benefit the skin. It is also comforting during the winter season and supportive of immune system function.* Young Living Melissa has an approximate ORAC of 1,343,547 (TE/L). TE/L is expressed as micromole Trolox equivalent per litre

 Melissa Floral Water also known as Melissa Hydrosol

Melissa Floral Water is reported to be one of the most potent anti-viral substances known and maybe helpful for Herpes, Shingles, Hives, Colds, Flu, Coughs, Sinusitus and Fevers.

Melissa Hydrosol is also said to contain a powerful anti-histamine action and could be considered for allergies, insect bites and bee stings.

Other traditional uses include for breathing and lung concerns.  Calming and regenerative for most nervous disorders, lifting mood and restoring hope.