Carmelite Water: the alcoholic infusion with healing powers

Monica Auteri

Would you ever have imagined that a liqueur drink could be good for your health? Yes, you must know that there are particular alcoholic infusions in Veneto that have healing properties.

I’m talking about Melissa’s Water, had you already heard of it? It is an alcoholic infusion produced with the seeds of an ancient plant, the Melissa Moldavica.

But that’s not all, because a precious essence is extracted from it and packaged in various types of product, according to natural and traditional methods.

Are you curious to know what illnesses this particular “Veneto liqueur” is able to alleviate?

I’ll start by revealing some of them, but you’ll have to keep reading the rest to find out other interesting information.

It seems that this “precious” beverage can solve problems related to hair loss, insomnia, stomach and anxiety.

And not only, it is produced by the Barefoot Padri Carmelitani in the Venetian Province.

Alcoholic infusions Veneto: some historical curiosities about Melissa’s Water

You have always thought that to alleviate some annoying health problems you need to go to the doctor and then to the chemist’s, right?

Then I’ll tell you a secret: for some of them, drinking Melissa Water can help you feel better immediately.

That’s right, and I also want to tell you that it is produced with the seeds of Melissa Moldavica, a very old plant.

Just think that more than three centuries ago, during a lunch in the Carmelite convent of Venice, a religious person felt bad but came to, just by smelling this Water!

You will also be curious to know that this particular plant is present only in plantations planted by the Carmelite Fathers in Veneto, who have been particularly careful in preserving their seeds for over 300 years.

The Melissa water liqueur that is produced, is an excellent support for conventional medicines, but does not replace them.

And just take a look at how many virtues it has:

• It stimulates the nervous system
• It balances the neurovegetative system
• It is antispasmodic
• It is a good disinfectant.
• It is an antiseptic.

Only in 1972 this special drink, on request of the Barefoot Carmelite Fathers, could be offered to the public as a herbal medicine product.

But I’ll tell you more, it is currently listed in the Atlas of traditional food products of the Veneto region.

Alcoholic infusions Veneto: some mention of products based on Melissa water

Do not expect to enter a Venetian restaurant and find Melissa Water among the best Italian spirits produced in the Region and in the rest of Italy.

Here we are talking about another whole thing! You must know that even today the recipe used to prepare it is the same used in past centuries.

The Carmelite Fathers continue to produce it in the Convent of Verona, but to taste it you can follow these simple directions.

I will also reveal that among the ingredients there is also grappa and for this reason the drink takes on a liqueur flavor.

It is not consumed as a normal liqueur, but if necessary it is possible to take a teaspoon with the addition of a little water.

Melissa Water is packaged in convenient bottles with 30 ml or 50 ml droppers, ideal for preparing herbal teas.

And not only that, you can also try soaked wipes, cream or gel with Melissa essential oil.

Image source: melissa.carmeloveneto.it; sergru.