Extracted from a perennial herbaceous plant known as “balm mint” is an essential oil known as Lemon Balm Oil. This oil is extracted from a plant belonging to the “Melissa officinalis” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is obtained from the buds, leaf, and the twigs of the plant using the “steam distillation” process. In addition, this oil is known for its sweet and extremely pleasant aroma, and hence has quite aptly earned the sobriquet “Sweet Oil”.
A. The chemical constituents of Lemon Balm Oil:
This oil is extracted from the bud, leaf, and twig of a plant belonging to the “Melissa officinalis” species in the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil also comprises of organic compounds such as Trans Ocimene, Citronellal, Caryophyllene, Germacrene, Geranial, Geranyl Acetate, Cis Ocimene, Octanone, Linalool, Beta Bourbonene, Methyl Hepenone, Cis Hexenol, Octanol, Octenol, Copaene, Alpha Humulene, Neral, Delta Cadinene, Gamma Cadinene, Nerol and Geraniol.
B. The uses and benefits of the Lemon Balm Oil:
There are a number of health benefits that an individual can experience on using this oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Antispasmodic:
This oil when used helps in relieving muscle spasms that may arise in the digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system etc and thereby serve as an antispasmodic.
2. Antidepressant:
This oil when used can also help in suppressing a major issue related to mental health such as depression, and thereby serves as an antidepressant.
3. Carminative:
This oil also comprises of a “carminative” property and thereby helps to resolve issue related to gas formation i.e. flatulence in the gastrointestinal system, and thereby serves as a carminative.
4. Anti-inflammatory:
This oil when used is capable of suppressing inflammation and swelling, and thereby serving as an anti-inflammatory.
5. Diaphoretic:
This oil when used helps in stimulating the production of sweat or perspiration, and thereby serves as a diaphoretic.
C. The adverse effects of the Lemon Balm Oil:
There are a couple of adverse effects that could occur on using this oil. They are as follows:
- The use of the oil could lead to skin irritation especially in those individuals who have sensitive skin.
The usage of this oil is extremely harmful to pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
