Stress to scent: Integrating abiotic stress physiology with essential oil chemistry in Melissa officinalis

• Abiotic stressors modulate both the quality and quantity of essential oils. • Environmental stress enhances secondary metabolism for improved oil profiles. • Stress-driven metabolic shifts can be harnessed for targeted applications. • Resilience-oriented practices boost production of premium lemon balm oils. Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) is a significant aromatic medicinal plant highly valued for its essential oil rich in monoterpenes like neral, geranial and citronellal, which has various commercial applications in fields such as food preservation, aromatherapy, and cosmetics. It is highly susceptible to environmental stress, which can significantly influence plant metabolic processes, potentially reduce biomass yield, and change the quantity of its essential oils. Abiotic stressors such as salinity, drought, and temperature variation are applied to enhance the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, a sustainable approach to boost oil yield. The quality and yield of essential oils can be constantly increased by optimizing stress conditions during cultivation, impact the market value of oil projected to increase from USD 8.1 million in 2025 to reach USD 22.4 million by 2033, also increasing the consumer preference for organic and natural compounds. This review was conducted by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, which ensure a systematic and transparent review process. Relevant studies were identified through comprehensive searches in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The findings synthesize current evidence, leading to conclusions on how environmental stresses influence essential oil production. It shows that certain stresses, like drought stress can be used to improve the yield of essential oil. Furthermore, this paper synthesizes current knowledge on the applications of this essential oil and explores the economic implications of enhancing its composition through strategic agricultural management.