Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Key Facts
- Scientific Name
- Melissa officinalis
- Plant Family
- Lamiaceae (Mint family)
- Origin
- Native to Europe and North Africa
- Primary Use
- Nervine & Cognitive Support
Overview
Lemon Balm is a lemon-scented herb from the mint family, native to Europe and North Africa, commonly used in teas and essential oils.
Traditional Uses
Used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, and soothe digestive issues.
Active Compounds
Contains high levels of rosmarinic acid, citral, and citronellal.
Potential Benefits — Unverified Summary
Calms the nervous system, improves cognitive function and mood, and has antiviral properties (effective topically for cold sores).
Safety & Side Effects
Generally safe for short-term use. May cause drowsiness; use caution with other sedatives. May interfere with thyroid medications; those with hypothyroidism should consult a doctor.
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, severe rash)
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe digestive issues (persistent vomiting, bloody stools)
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Any symptoms that worsen or do not improve
Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbal supplements if you:
- Are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
- Are taking prescription medications
- Have a chronic health condition
- Are scheduled for surgery
- Are giving herbs to children
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Balm used for?
Calms the nervous system, improves cognitive function and mood, and has antiviral properties (effective topically for cold sores).
Is Lemon Balm safe?
Generally safe for short-term use. May cause drowsiness; use caution with other sedatives. May interfere with thyroid medications; those with hypothyroidism should consult a doctor.
What are the active compounds in Lemon Balm?
Contains high levels of rosmarinic acid, citral, and citronellal.
What is the scientific name of Lemon Balm?
The scientific name of Lemon Balm is Melissa officinalis.
What are the traditional uses of Lemon Balm?
Used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, and soothe digestive issues.
When should I see a doctor when using Lemon Balm?
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Lemon Balm or any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, have a chronic health condition, or are scheduled for surgery. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe digestive issues, or any symptoms that worsen or do not improve. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Source Records — Verification Pending
These identifiers were recorded in the original dataset. They are not complete citations or evidence that the claims above have been checked.
- MountSinai-LemonBalm
- Healthline-LemonBalm-2025
- PMC5871149