The correct spelling of the word in question is actually "melittis," which is pronounced /mɛˈlɪtɪs/ according to the IPA phonetic transcription. It is often misspelled as "melitis" due to the similarity in sound. Melittis is a type of plant in the mint family and is commonly referred to as the "bastard balm." Its leaves and stems are often used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches and stomach issues.