ABSTRACT
Melissa oil is the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of the melissa, Melissa officinalis L. Melissa officinalis L. is a perennial herb which can grow to a height of 70-150 cm and which has leaves with a gentle lemon scent. The lemon balm is native to the Madeira and Canary Islands, Morocco, Tunisia, temperate regions of Asia, Pakistan, and various countries in South and East Europe. The herb, the essential oil and extracts have many medicinal applications and melissa is listed in a number of European Pharmacopoeias. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts from the aerial part ofMelissa officinalis have traditional use in the treatment of fevers and colds, indigestion associated with nervous tension, hyperthyroidism, depression, insomnia, epilepsy, headaches, toothaches, and other ailments. The plant is said to possess antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-mutagenic, antitumor, antihistaminic, antispasmodic, and antioxidant properties.
