Melissa (Lemon Balm) (Melissa officinalis) is a floral essential oil with a lemony, sweet, herbaceous aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from leaf, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Frankincense (Carterii), Rose. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 2%.
One of the most precious and expensive oils. Deeply calming lemony-sweet aroma. Traditionally valued for emotional wellbeing.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Floral |
| Chemical family | Aldehyde |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | leaf |
| Origin | France, Germany, Ireland |
| Blending factor | 4 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
| CAS number | 8014-71-9 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 2% |
| Max facial dilution | 0.5% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Scale amounts to any container with the dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
Frequently asked questions
What does Melissa (Lemon Balm) essential oil smell like?
Melissa (Lemon Balm) has a lemony, sweet, herbaceous, delicate aroma, classed as a floral oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Melissa (Lemon Balm)?
For topical use, keep Melissa (Lemon Balm) at or below 2%, and 0.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Melissa (Lemon Balm) safe to use during pregnancy?
Melissa (Lemon Balm) is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Melissa (Lemon Balm) safe to use around children?
Melissa (Lemon Balm) is not recommended for young children. Consult a professional before use.
Is Melissa (Lemon Balm) safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Melissa (Lemon Balm) blend well with?
Melissa (Lemon Balm) pairs well with Lavender, Frankincense (Carterii), Rose, Geranium.