How I Used Melissa Essential Oil to Beat Perimenopausal Anxiety

3 minute read:

As I entered perimenopause, I found myself facing a whirlwind of emotions and symptoms that left me feeling off-balance and well quite frankly... scared. Anxiety, low moods, tension, and nervousness would creep in unexpectedly, and I struggled to find something that really helped me manage it all. I tried a range of remedies and techniques, but nothing seemed to offer the relief I desperately needed. That was until a close friend introduced me to Melissa essential oil, also known as lemon balm.

Melissa essential oil turned out to be a complete game-changer for me, offering a natural, soothing way to manage the emotional ups and downs that are so common during perimenopause. It wasn’t just a quick fix - it became an integral part of my daily routine and helped me regain control over my anxiety and stress levels. In this post, I’m sharing my journey with Melissa oil and five practical ways to use it to support your well-being during perimenopause.

Why Melissa Essential Oil Became My Go-To for Anxiety

When my beautiful friend (a God send if you ask me!) first suggested Melissa oil, I was skeptical. After all, I had already tried so many things that didn’t work. But she showed me a simple trick - applying a few drop of the oil on my thumb and pressing it to the roof of my mouth. The first time I tried it, I felt an almost instant sense of calm wash over me. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Whenever I felt anxiety or nervousness creeping in, I’d use the oil and within minutes, I’d feel more grounded. A couple of months later, I had my anxiety and nervousness under control.

Melissa oil’s calming, mood-enhancing properties stem from its ability to interact with neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to regulate mood and stress. It’s particularly effective at promoting relaxation, which is why it worked so well for me when I was struggling to keep my emotions in check. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, or even just feeling out of sorts, this oil has been a constant companion.

5 Ways to Use Melissa Essential Oil

Here are five ways I’ve personally used Melissa essential oil to manage my symptoms and find relief, especially when the perimenopausal symptoms of anxiety and tension were at their worst.

1. Aromatherapy to Soothe Anxiety and Low Mood

One of the most effective ways I found to use Melissa oil was through aromatherapy. When I felt my anxiety rising, or was stuggling with disrupted sleep. I’d turn to my diffuser at night. The light, citrusy scent would fill the room, and almost immediately, I’d feel a sense of calm. The gentle aroma is perfect for moments when you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply need to reset your mood.

• How I use it: I add 4–5 drops of Melissa essential oil to my diffuser and let the calming scent fill the room for 20–30 minutes. It’s perfect for those times when I need to unwind after a long day or before bed. When I’m on the go, I’ll place a drop on a tissue and take deep breaths for a few minutes to centre myself (or I would take the bottle with me while out and about!).

2. Topical Application for Physical Tension

Whenever I felt the physical symptoms of stress - tightness in my neck or tension in my shoulders - Melissa essential oil came to the rescue. I’d dilute it with a carrier oil and gently massage it into the tense areas. This helped not only with the physical tension but also gave me a moment to be mindful and present, releasing the emotional tension that often accompanied my stress.

• How I use it: I dilute 2–3 drops of Melissa essential oil in coconut oil and gently massage it into my temples, neck, and shoulders when I feel tension building up. It’s a great way to combine the soothing benefits of the oil with a self-care massage.
  
  

3. Oral Application for Quick Relief from Anxiety

This was the tip that changed everything for me. A friend taught me to place a few drops of Melissa oil on my thumb and press it against the roof of my mouth for 30 seconds whenever I felt anxiety coming on. I couldn’t believe how fast it worked! It was like a switch that turned off the anxious thoughts racing through my mind. I know it can be somewhat daunting for some at the idea of using essential oils orally but I encourage you to re-consider.

• How I use it: Whenever I feel anxiety rising, I place a few drops of Melissa essential oil on my thumb and hold it to the roof of my mouth for 30 seconds. I’ll repeat this as needed throughout the day if I’m feeling particularly anxious. It’s become my go-to method for fast relief, especially when I’m in a stressful situation and need immediate help.

4. Relaxing Bath Soak to Unwind

I found that a warm bath with Melissa essential oil was one of the best ways to de-stress after a long day. The combination of the warm water and the soothing scent of the oil helped me let go of all the tension in my body and mind. It became a part of my nighttime routine and was particularly helpful when I was struggling with sleep.

• How I use it: I add 10 drops of Melissa essential oil to a cup of Epsom salts  and stir it into my bath. Soaking for about 20 minutes helps me relax and let go of any stress from the day. It’s a beautiful way to end the day and prepare for a restful sleep.

5. Pillow Spray for Better Sleep and Reduced Night-time Anxiety

Sleep can be a challenge during perimenopause, especially with all the racing thoughts and anxious feelings that seem to hit at night. I started spraying my pillow with a Melissa oil mist (when I didnt have my diffuser as it alwasy ended up in my kids rooms!), and it helped me drift off to sleep more easily. The calming scent eased my mind and made my bedroom feel like a peaceful retreat.

• How I use it: I mix 5–6 drops of Melissa essential oil with 60 ml of water in a spray bottle and shake it up. Just before bed, I spray it on my pillow and bedding. It’s been a lifesaver on those nights when I struggle to wind down. The scent is subtle but effective in creating a calming sleep environment. Regarding bedding, I recommend reading my post Toxic Bedding & Perimenopause: Why Your Sleep Environment Matters More Than Ever

My Journey with Melissa Essential Oil

For me, Melissa essential oil has been a lifeline during the emotional and physical challenges of perimenopause. It’s natural, gentle, and effective - everything I was looking for when nothing else seemed to help. Whether I’m feeling anxious, tense, or just in need of a calming moment, Melissa oil is always there to provide the relief I need.

Of course, no single remedy works in isolation. Alongside using Melissa essential oil, I practised deep breathing exercises, which helped me regain control over my mind and body, listened to calm music, and shifted my eating habits. The combination of these tools has allowed me to navigate this phase of life with greater ease and less anxiety.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, or tension during perimenopause, I encourage you to give Melissa essential oil a try. It may just become your go-to remedy for restoring balance and calm, just like it did for me.

Remember to always use high-quality essential oils and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you’re new to using essential oils or have any pre-existing health conditions.

P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you further:

1. Dive deeper into nutrition for perimenopause – Grab my free guide to biohack perimenopause through hormone-balancing foods and start feeling better today. [Download Now]

2. Book a 1:1 coaching session – Let’s create a personalized plan to support your health and happiness during perimenopause. [Book Your Session]

3. Check out my YouTube channel – For holistic tips, real-life advice, and supportive community for navigating perimenopause. [Subscribe here]