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Posted in Essential Oil Basics by Rocky Mountain Oils

Moldavian Dragonhead

Welcome, Moldavian Dragonhead!

Moldavian Dragonhead...sounds like a new character from Game of Thrones, doesn’t it!? Well, sorry to break it to you, but it's not. Even though this isn’t a new character announcement for the hit HBO series, it is an announcement of a new member of the Rocky Mountain Oils essential oil family!

Moldavian Dragonhead Facts

  • Botanical Name | Dracocephalum moldavica
  • Country of Origin | Bulgaria
  • Extraction Method | Steam Distilled
  • Plant Part | Leaves, Flowering Tops
  • Aroma | Sweet, Fresh, Floral, Lemony
  • Consistency | Thin

Blends Well With | Basil, Bergamot FCF, Cedarwood, Citronella, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Petitgrain, and Turmeric

Moldavian Dragonhead

So, let's learn more!

Moldavian Dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica) is a rare, multipurpose, and incredibly beautiful annual plant that produces a much-desired essential oil. This essential oil is actually similar to Melissa Essential Oil (Melissa officinalis). They even share a similar nickname! Melissa is commonly known as Lemon Balm, and a common name for Moldavian Dragonhead is Moldavian Balm.

Previously known as Melissa modavica in 16th century Europe, Moldavian Dragonhead is one of 40+ species of the genus Dracocephalum that is native to South Siberia and Central Asia. Now, it is commonly found in Eastern Asia and Eastern European regions, such as China, Mongolia, Himalayas, Russia, and Bulgaria. The Moldavian Dragonhead herb is known to be the perfect honey bee plant, as it was commonly used and planted by beekeepers to help calm and attract bees. Other than having the best bee-attracting nectar, the lemony scented leaves of the Dragonhead plant are commonly used in making tea that promotes digestive health and relaxation.

Remember when we mentioned that Dragonhead is a annual multipurpose plant? Well, we mean it! Even the seeds of this multifunctional plant are useful and are known to have astringent and carminative properties. They also offer omega-3 fatty acids.

Moldavian Dragonhead is considered a rare essential oil due to its extremely low yield during distillation. This results in a more costly and appealing essential oil.

Fun Fact

Because of the antioxidant properties, dried Moldavian Dragonhead leaves have been used in cooking and corn snacks to improve nutritional value and increase dietary fiber.

How did Moldavian Dragonhead get its name?

Similar to snapdragons, the shape of the Dragonhead’s bluish-purple flowers resemble the face or head of a dragon.

Benefits of Moldavian Dragonhead

We can’t say it enough--this essential oil is multifunctional. Moldavian Dragonhead can assist in relieving a stressed mind, uplifting spirits, and supporting a healthy digestive system. It can even support the overall immune system by helping your body fight off unwanted germs or bacteria.

Main benefits:

  • Soothes an upset stomach
  • Supports the immune system
  • Protects the body against environmental threats
  • Uplifts the mind and body
  • Relieves stress and helps the body and mind handle stressful situations

Even though we aren’t currently offering this precious essential oil as a single, we are so excited to see it in our new, limited-time blend called Lucky Dragon. Lucky Dragon combines Moldavian Dragonhead with Cinnamon Bark, Myrtle, Grapefruit, Bergamot FCF, and Ylang Ylang. This blend was designed to promote emotional well-being, help you cope with stressful situations, and calm overstimulated nerves. The ingredients in this blend also create a synergistic effect that will assist in producing happy thoughts, releasing negative energy, and invigorating your soul.


The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Neither Rocky Mountain Oils nor its products are intended for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.

  1. Wójtowicz, A., Oniszczuk, A., Oniszczuk, T., Kocira, S., Wojtunik, K., Mitrus, M., Kocira, A., Widelski, J., & Skalicka-Woźniak, K. (2017). Application of Moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) leaves addition as a functional component of nutritionally valuable corn snacks. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 54(10), 3218-3229.
  2. Dmitruk, M., Weryszko-Chmielewska, E., & Sulborska, A. (2018). Flowering and Nectar Secretion in two Forms of the Moldavian Dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) – A Plant with Extraordinary Apicultural Potential. Journal of Apicultural Science, 62(1), 97-110.
  3. Dastmalchi, K., Damien Dorman, H., Laakso, I., & Hiltunen, R. (2007). Chemical composition and antioxidative activity of Moldavian balm ( Dracocephalum moldavica L.) extracts. LWT - Food Science and Technology, 40(9), 1655-1663.
  4. Kakasy, A., Lemberkovics, �., Simándi, B., Lelik, L., Héthelyi, �., Antal, I., & Szöke, �. (2006). Comparative study of traditional essential oil and supercritical fluid extracts of Moldavian dragonhead ( Dracocephalum moldavica L.). Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 21(4), 598-603.
  5. Povilaityee, V., & Venskutonis, P. (2000). Antioxidative activity of purple peril (Perilla frutescens L.), moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.), and roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis L.) extracts in rapeseed oil. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 77(9), 951-956.
  6. Popova, O., Nikitina, A., & Markova, O. (2008). Studies of iridoids from Dracocephalum moldavica cultivated in the Stavropol Region. Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal, 42(6), 351-353.

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