Today I cracked open my bottle of Melissa (Melissa officinalis) for the first time. I didn't know what to expect aromatically, but I learned in my aromatherapy training that this essential oil is a powerhouse and was recommended for a whole host of concerns: circulatory (high blood pressure and poor circulation); digestive (various manifestations of upset stomach); lymphatic (cellulite and congestion); many, many menstrual complaints; inflammation; respiratory (allergies, bronchitis); skin complaints (acne, eczema); so many...
Mentally and emotionally it soothes and uplifts; promotes restful sleep; helps work through loss, anxiety, and depression. So when I cracked it open and took a sniff, I was... unimpressed.
But then I took another sniff, and I fell in love.
I am diffusing it right now straight and I love it. I've heard the aroma described as lemony, herbaceous, and floral. To me it smells like tomatoes, and I love it.
As a child I hated tomatoes. But I thought they were so beautiful, on sandwiches, in salads, that as I got older, I ate them anyway, and when I discovered roma and cherry tomatoes, I began to love them. Melissa isn't as herbaceous and roma but sweet like cherry (in my opinion). I searched the internet to see if anyone else thinks Melissa smells like tomatoes and I haven't found anything! What do you think?
Earlier today I diffused a blend with Melissa, Yuzu (Citrus junos), and Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) and it felt like summertime: tomatoes and ladybugs. Enjoy!
