Melissa Materia Medica

Melissa, also known as lemon balm, is a perennial member of the mint family which generally grows to a height of about 2-feet. The “balm” in lemon balm derives from the word balsam, referring to Melissa’s distinct honey-sweet fragrant oil. The word balsam derives from the Hebrew word bal-smin, meaning “chief of oils.” The 16th century physician/alchemist Paracelsus referred to Melissa oil as the “Elixir of Life” believing that its use could completely revivify a debilitated individual. He combined it with potassium carbonate to form a medicine called primum ens melissa which has been in use since the 17th century. In fact, Melissa’s reputation as a cure-all was widespread. In ancient folklore, Melissa was a plant which symbolized sympathy and was used to transmit messages between lovers. Melissa was the chief ingredient in the famous Carmelite Water medicinal tonic compounded by nuns in 14th century France.

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