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Lemon-Balm Oil
Lemon-Balm, also known as Melissa or simply Balm, originated in the Near East. Benedictine missionaries first brought this herb to the West, planting it in kitchen gardens all over Europe. American colonists used Lemon-Balm as well, both as a medicine and as a flavoring agent. It is said that Thomas Jefferson grew the plant at Monticello.
The name "Lemon-Balm" can be attributed to the lemony scent of its nettle-like leaves. Similarly, its nickname Melissa, which means "honey bee" in Greek, is also a tribute to this distinctive fragrance, which attracts swarms of bees to the plant.
Today, this essential oil serves as a panacea in home remedies and has many therapeutic benefits. for instance, it is commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, depression and menstrual complaints. It can be diluted with a base oil - such as Sweet Almond or Olive oil - and massaged into the skin or used in a diffuser or simmer pot to disperse the aroma throughout a room.
Pure Lemon-Balm essential oil is one of the most expensive of the essential oils, because about 3-1/2 tons of the leafy plants are needed to make 1 quart of purified oil.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECT: Lemon-Balm is used for insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, nightmares, itching, shingles, eczema, allergies, menstrual difficulties and liver and gallbladder complaints. Lemon-Balm oil can help fight infections caused by viruses and bacteria, relieve spasms and cramps, stimulate liver function and reduce pain, fever and flatulence. It also has calming and stress-reducing effects. The oil's most important active ingredients are citral, citronellal and geraniol.
OVERCOMING INSOMNIA
Place these calming oil mixtures in a simmer pot and breathe them in at night to relieve insomnia and nervous tension.3 drops Lemon-Balm essential oil
3 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
1 drop Sandalwood essential oil
Or
3 drops Lemon-Balm essential oil
3 drops Lavender essential oil
1 drop Rose essential oil
Place the oils together in a diffuser, simmer pot or aromatherapy lamp.
Add a couple of drops of Lemon-Balm oil to a diffuser to promote relaxation and help you to gain an overall sense of calm and balance.
Lemon-Balm oil helps relax the muscles of the airways. It makes breathing easier when respiratory passages become tight or congested due to allergic reactions, asthma, coughs, colds and other respiratory complaints.
Lemon-Balm oil eases nervous tension and restlessness. When dispersed by the diffuser, the oil can help soothe and calm agitated children.
Lemon-Balm oil is an excellent remedy for menstrual disorders. Its antispasmodic and muscle-relaxing properties help relieve menstrual cramping and pain. Some healers also claim that its hormonal actions can help regulate irregular periods or restore missed ones, particularly during menopause.2-5 drops Lemon-Balm essential oil
1-1/2 ounces of base oil (Sweet Almond or Wheat Germ)
Combine oils. Rub into the lower abdomen to relax muscles and alleviate menstrual cramping.
Lemon-Balm oil is a great remedy for stress-related skin and facial blemishes.2-5 drops Lemon-Balm essential oil
1-1/2 ounces Sweet Almond or Wheat Germ oil
Massage the mixture into the back, on either side of the spine, to reduce stress and anxiety.
The same diluted mixture can be applied to many kinds of skin inflammations and insect bites.
To relieve the irritating itching of insect bites, prepare a Lemon-Balm ointment.1 teaspoon Lemon-Balm essential oil
3-1/2 ounces Petroleum Jelly or Soft Paraffin Wax (Bee's Wax works great for ointments)
Combine ingredients and apply to infected areas.
A mixture to relieve mild chest pain (angina) to be gently rubbed into the skin around the heart area.1 drop Lemon-Balm essential oil
5 drops Jojoba essential oil
1 drop Rose essential oil
Mix oils and massage into skin on chest.
To relieve fever blisters on the lips, apply a drop of diluted Lemon-Balm oil to the affected area. Use the oil at the first signs of irritation to maximize its protective effect and help speed healing.
A mixture used to mitigate the pain of shingles.5 drops Lemon-Balm essential oil
1 teaspoon Olive oil
Regularly massage this mixture gently into any painful areas.
To avoid skin irritation, never use Lemon-Balm oil on large areas of skin. Instead, dilute it; Use no more than 5 drops of pure oil per 1-1/2 ounces of a base oil, such as Jojoba, Sweet Almond or Wheat Germ oil.
RESOURCE: The Complete Guide To Natural Healing.
Every effort is made to provide medically accurate and up-to-date information that is intended to complement, not replace, the advice of your health care provider or midwife. Before undertaking the advice contained on this website, you should consult with your health care provider or midwife, who can best assess your individual needs, symptoms and treatment.
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