Melissa or lemon balm is an herb renowned for its powerful anti-viral and stomach soothing properties. From it, a gentle but powerful hydrosol is extracted. Find out the Melissa hydrosol benefits and how to use in this post!
What is Melissa Hydrosol?
Melissa, also known as lemon balm, is a perennial herb in the mint family. It is native to Iran, Central Asia and South-Central Europe where it has been cultivated since the 16th century. The leaves of lemon balm have a mild lemon scent with a hint of mint.
Two extracts are obtained from the steam distillation of Melissa: a hydrosol and essential oil. The hydrosol has a lighter and more floral scent than the essential oil. It has a lemony scent with mint undertones.
Below are some of the benefits of Melissa hydrosol:
Benefits of Melissa Hydrosol
1. Antiviral
Melissa hydrosol is an antiviral substance and is immensely helpful for soothing shingles. Use it as in a compress or spray to relieve painful and itchy shingles and cold sores. It’s also good for fighting the flu and colds: simply add a tsp to a glass of warm water and sip for a faster cure.
2. Astringent
The astringent properties of Melissa make it a good facial toner for oily skin. Its essential oil isn’t suitable for skin care and so the hydrosol acts as a good choice. Mix it in a ratio of 3:1 with apple cider vinegar and dab some on your face with a cotton round after cleansing your face.
3. Anti-fungal
Also an antifungal, Melissa is good for relieving fungal skin infections. It can be used in a sitz bath to give relief to candida rashes. Make your own baby wipes (see recipe below) to fight and cure diaper rash.
4. Soothes stomach upsets
Add a tsp of organic Melissa hydrosol to your water bottle to help soothe an upset stomach.
5. Good for PMS
The herb Melissa is good for pms, irregular periods and painful ones too. Add 2 cups of Melissa hydrosol to a warm bath and have a long soak to relive menstrual troubles.
6. Antidepressant
Melissa hydrosol has a calming and uplifting scent that acts as a great antidepressant. Store it in a spray bottle and spritz it around you or in your room to keep the blues away.
7. Treats Hormonal Acne
Make a cleansing and detoxifying face mask for hormonal acne by combining 1 tsp of bentonite clay and 1 tsp of Melissa hydrosol to form a smooth easy-to-apply paste. Use a face mask brush to apply it on your face. Wash it off after 7 minutes, pat your face dry and moisturize as usual.
8. Anti-Inflammatory
Melissa has strong anti-inflammatory properties that is useful in reducing inflammation due to eczema, psoriasis and acne.
How to Use Melissa Hydrosol
» Acne Spray
Combine together ¾ cup of Melissa hydrosol and 1 tsp of organic apple cider vinegar in a fine mist spray bottle. Mist this on your face to tone, let it dry then apply moisturizer.
» Digestive Tonic
Add a tsp of Melissa hydrosol and add it to your glass of warm water. Stir in 1 tsp of baking soda for extra help. Drink it to soothe digestive problems.
» Compress for Shingles
Soak a soft microfiber cloth in a bowl of Melissa hydrosol, wring it out then place it on your shingles. Repeat until you feel relief.
» DIY Baby Wipes
Get a roll of Bounty Select-a-Size paper towels, cut it in half and place it in an large air-tight container. Now in a Pyrex measuring cup, add 1 cup of warm distilled water (heat it till warm) and 1 cup of Melissa hydrosol. Now add 2 tbsp of liquid castile soap, 2 tsp of coconut oil and ½ tsp vitamin E oil. Mix together and pour it over the half roll in the air-tight container. Wait for 4 minutes then peel off the cardboard roll from the center of the paper towels. That’s it! Pull off your baby wipes from the center of the roll as needed.
For More Ideas on How to Use Melissa Hydrosol, Read: 25 Ways to Use Hydrosols
Where to Buy Melissa Hydrosol
Ensure to only purchase 100% pure high quality pesticide-free Melissa hydrosol. You can get it here.