Melissa.

Lemon balm grows easily in almost any garden, and yet its true oil is one of the rarest in the apothecary. It takes approximately three tons of plant material to yield half a kilo of essential oil, which is why so much of the so-called melissa oil on the market is really a mixture of lemongrass and citronella. This is the real thing.

It is steam-distilled from the leaves of ethically farmed Melissa officinalis in France. Emotionally, melissa is a delight: both calming and uplifting, a companion in times of emotional shock, grief, fear or anger, and said to bring acceptance and understanding. Because the essential oil can irritate the skin, melissa hydrosol is the gentler choice for skin care, and the oil also comes in a 10% dilution in clear, odorless fractionated coconut oil.

Details

• Botanical name: Melissa officinalis
• Origin: France
• Method: Steam-distilled leaves
• Growing: Ethically farmed
• Shelf life: about 1 to 2 years after opening

How to use

Diffuse it in small amounts, or use it on skin at no more than 0.7% (4 drops per fluid ounce). Melissa contains citral, a strong sensitizer: avoid broken skin and do not use it during pregnancy. It may affect diabetes, so use with caution, and never take it internally. Store it in the dark and refrigerated, and decant a half-empty bottle into a smaller full one.

A rare, bright breath of the summer garden, kept for the days that need it.