Description
Like most every CO2 extract, you will get an aroma much closer to the botanical state. I like to think of CO2 extracts as the liquid herbal version…. like a field of Lemon Balm in a bottle. With all of the benefits of its steam distillation, Melissa CO2 is a bit milder in aromatic potency but stronger in its lemony earthy appeal. The high price of true Melissa is because, although the plant is easy to grow, it takes approximately THREE tons of plant material to yield 1/2 kilo of the essential oil. The good news is that it works best in lower doses.
For emotional wellbeing, in the words of our friend and mentor Madeleine Kerkhof, this extract is ‘much more balanced on highly strung nerves’. Melissa CO2 extract has been shown to be highly supportive for spiritual wellbeing as well as cognitive distress. This oil can be used to calm restlessness and agitation for those suffering Alzheimer and dementia, as well as providing comfort from nervous digestive issues. Commonly used in hospice and transitional periods to ease fear and insomnia.
A study quoted in the Journal of Complimentary Medicine showed that Melissa Essential Oil is a safe and effective treatment for the management of agitation in severe dementia. The study indicates that true pure melissa oil significantly reduced agitation and has important quality of life benefits. Use of a melissa herbal extract in a study of patients with mild to moderate Attention Deficit Disorder experienced significant benefits in cognition after 16 weeks of treatment. Whether the same benefits would occur with use of the essential oil is unknown.
Physically, Melissa CO2 with a lower concentration of citral than steam distilled Melissa does not weaken its benefits. In fact, a lower citral content reduces the risk of sensitization. Madeleine Kerkhoff notes in reference to cell protection ” study shows that its supercritical extract was significantly more efficient despite being the less active as an antioxidant agent…..research indicating the effect on cell viability is not related to antioxidant activity.” Melissa has found a use in treating varicose veins, atrophy prone skin, insect bite relief, as well as treatment for epidermal viruses such as shingles, cold sores, and herpes.
SHELF LIFE: Approximately 4 to 5 years after you open the bottle if stored appropriately. Storing in the dark, refrigerated, and decanting half full bottles into smaller, full bottles will extend shelf life.
WARNING: Contains citral, a strong sensitizer. Avoid use on broken skin. Avoid use during pregnancy (see this blog post on High Citral Oils vs Pregancy ). Maximum dilution for topical use: 0.7% (4 drops per fluid ounce). Please also see our blog post on the benefits of inhalation vs. ingesting essential oils. Caution advised, may affect diabetes.
Now used in our Melissa Calendula Lip Balms. Compare to Melissa Steam Distillation
Blends well with : Frankincense, Elemi, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Rose…
Certified Organic, Halal, Kosher, COSMOS through our trusted supplier.
Certificate of Analysis:
Batch #DE-59408
