Lemon balm

Related Terms

16-Hydroxy-9-oxo-10E,12E,14E-octadecatrienoic acid, alpha-cellulose, alpha-tocopherol, apigenin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, apigenin kaempferol, ash, a-tocopherol, balm, balm mint, bee balm, beta-caryophyllene, beta-caryophyllene oxide, beta-citronellol, beta-geraniol, beta-pinene, Bienenfang (German), Bienenkraut (German), Bienensaug (German), blue balm, caffeic acids, caftaric acid, carotenoids, chlorogenic acid, chlorophyll, Citra, citragon (French), citral, citral a (geranial), citral b (neral), citraria (Spanish), citroenmelisse (Dutch), citromfu (Hungarian), citron melisse (Danish), citronella (Italian), citronellae, citronellal, citronelle (French), citronellol, Citronenmelisse (German), citronmeliss (Swedish), citronmilisse (Danish), common balm, corchorifatty acid B, cure-all, Cyracos?, Darmgichtkraut (German), dehydroabietane, delphinidin, diterpene hydrocarbons, dropsy plant, Englische Brennessel (German), English balm, erva-cidreira (Portuguese - Brazil), ethric oil, eugenylglycoside, ferulic acid, flavonoids, folia Citronellae, folia Melissaecitratae, Frauenkraut (German), garden balm, Garten-Melisse (German), gastrovegetalin, geranial, geraniol, geranyl acetate, germacrene, Hasenohr (German), heart's delight, hemicellulose, Herzbrot (German), Herzkraut (German), Herztrost (German), hexadecanoic acid, hj?rtansfr?jd (Swedish), hjertensfryd (Danish, Norwegian), honey plant, Honigblum (German), honungsblomma (Swedish), hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, Immenchrut (German), Ivenblatt (German), Kneipp? Melisse Pflanzensaft, Labiatae/Lamiaceae (family), lemon melissa, lemon-balm, lignin, Limonikraut (German), linalool, lomaherpan, luteolin, luteolin 3'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, medunka l?karsk? (Czech), m?hfu (Hungarian), melisa (Polish, Spanish), melisa lekarska (Polish), melissa, Melissa officinalis, Melissa officinalis L., Melissa oleum, melissa vera (Italian), Melissae, Melissae folium, melisse (Danish, French, German, Norwegian), m?lisse (French), m?lisse officinale (French), Melissenblatt (German), Melissengeist (German), meliss?rt (Swedish), meliza (Spanish), methyl citronellate, metrilic acid, m?zont?fu (Hungarian), modergr?s (Swedish), moderurt (Norwegian), monoterpene glycosides, Mutterkraut (German), Mutterwurz (German), navadna melisa (Slovenian), neral, nerol, Nervenkr?utel (German), neryl acetate, nitrogen, oleanolic acid, ocimene, orvosi citromfu (Hungarian), p-coumaric acid, pentadecanal, Pfaffenkraut (German), polyphenolic compounds, proline, protein, quercetin, Riechnessel (German), rosmarinic acid, rutin, sabinene, Salatkr?utle (German), sesquiterpenes, sidrunmeliss (Estonian), sitronmelisse (Norwegian), sitruunamelissa (Finnish), Spanischer Salbei (German), squalene, succinic acid, sweet balm, sweet mary, tannins, terpin-4-ol, th? de France (French), toronjil (Spanish), trace metals, trans-caryophyllene, triterpenes, triterpenoids, ursolic acid, valverde boutons de fievre cr?me (French), volatile oils, Wanzenkraut (German), Zahnwehkraut (German), zeaxanthin, Zitronella (German), Zitronenkraut (German), Zitronenmelisse (German), Zitronen-Melisse (German).
Combination products (examples): Abdomilon?, Abdomilon? N, Abnormal Savda Munziq?, Absimed, Agua del Carmen, Aktiv Nerven- und Schlaftee, Anevrase, Aponatura Beruhigungs?, Aponatura Einschlaf?, Aranidorm-S, Arterosan Plus, Avedorm?, Baldracin?, Baldrian-Elixier, Baldrian-Krautertonikum, Baldriparan, Baldriparan Beruhigungs, Baldriparan stark N, Balsamo Branco, Befelka-Tinktur, Beruhigungstee, Biocarde, Bio-Garten Tee zur Beruhigung, Bio-Garten Tropfen zur Beruhigung, Camomila, Canad, Caramelos Agua del Carmen, Cardalept, Cardiaforce, Carming?, Carmint?, ColiMil?, Colominthe, Cough Drops, Cura, Digestol Sanatorium, Doppelherz Melissengeist, Doppelherz Tonikum, Dormarist, Dormiplant, Drag?es pour la d?tente nerveuse, Elixir Bonjean, Emmenoiasi, Especies Calmante, Euvegal Entspannungs- und Einschlafdragees, Euvegal Forte?, Euvegal N, Euviterin, Fargestium, Fluxoten, Gastregan, Gastrol S?, Gastrosan, Gutnacht, Heumann Beruhigungstee Tenerval N, Herz- und Kreislauftonikum Bioflora?, Hyperiforce comp, Iberogast?, JuDorm, JuNeuron S, Klosterfrau Melissengeist?, Kneipp Krauter Taschenkur Nerven und Schlaf N, Kneipp Nerven- und Schlaf-Tee, Kneipp Nerven- und Schlaf-Tee N, Krauterdoktor Beruhigungstropfen, Krauterdoktor Entspannungs- und Einschlaftropfen, Krauterdoktor Magen-Darmtropfen, Krauterdoktor Nerven-Tonikum, Krauterdoktor Rosmarin-Wein, Krauterhaus Mag Kottas Babytee, Krauterhaus Mag Kottas Magen- und Darmtee, Krauterhaus Mag Kottas Nerven- und Schlaftee, Krauterhaus Mag Kottas Wechseltee, Krautertee Nr 1, Krautertee Nr 9, Krautertee Nr 16, Krautertee Nr 141, Krautertee Nr 201, Krautertee Nr 209, Lindofluid N, Lo-701, Luvased-Tropfen N, Mag Doskar's Magentonikum, Mag Doskar's Nerventonikum, Mag Kottas Beruhigungstee, Mag Kottas Krauterexpress-Nerven-Schlaf-Tee, Mag Kottas Magen-Darmtee, Mag Kottas Nerven-Beruhigungstee, Mag Kottas Schlaftee, Mag Kottas Tee fur stillende Mutter, Mag Kottas Wechseltee, Mariazeller, Mediflor Tisane Calmante Troubles du Sommeil No 14, Mediflor Tisane Circulation du Sang No 12, Mediflor Tisane Pectorale d'Alsace, Melissa comp., Melissa Specie Composta, Melissa Tonic, Melissengeist, Melissin, Nervendragees, Nerven-Tee Stada N, Nervifloran, Nervosana, Novo-Baldriparan?, Nyrene, Ob-X, Oxacant N, Oxacant-sedativ, Pascosedon, Passedan, Passelyt, Passiflora Composta, Phytoberidin, Phytogran, Phytonoctu, Plantival, Plantival novo, Presselin Blahungs K 4 N, Pronervon Phyto, Relax, Resolutivo Regium, RubieSed, Salus Nerven-Schlaf-Tee Nr. 22, Salusan, Santane D5, Santane N9, Schlaf- und Nerventee, Sedacur, Seda-Grandelat, Sedantol, Seda-Plantina?, Sedariston, Sedaselect N, Sedasyx, Sedatol, Sedatruw S, Sedinfant N, Seracalm, Sidroga Herz-Kreislauf-Tee, Sidroga Kindertee, Sidroga Magen-Darm-Tee, Sidroga Nerven- und Schlaftee, Sirmiosta Nervenelixier N, Sol Schoum, Songha, Songha Night, Soporin, Species nervinae, St Radegunder Beruhigungs- und Einschlaftee, St Radegunder Fiebertee, St Radegunder Herz-Kreislauf-Tonikum, St Radegunder Herz-Kreislaufunterstutzender Tee, St Radegunder Magenberuhigungstee, St Radegunder Nerventee, St Radegunder Nerven-Tonikum, St Radegunder Reizmildernder Magentee, St Radegunder Rosmarin-Wein, Stullmaton, STW 5, STW 5-II (bitter candy tuft, matricaria flower, peppermint leaves, caraway, licorice root, and lemon balm), STW-5-S (matricaria flower, peppermint leaves, caraway, licorice root, and lemon balm), SX Valeriana comp, Synpharma InstantNerventee, Teekanne Magen- und Darmtee, Teekanne Schlaf- und Nerventee, The Brioni, The Chambard-Tee, The Franklin, Tisana Arnaldi, Tisana Cisbey, Tisana Kelemata, Tisane antiflatulente pour les enfants, Tisane calmante pour les enfants, Tisane des familles, Tisane favorisant l'allaitement, Tisane Grande Chartreuse, Tisane pour le coeur et la circulation, Tisane pour le foie, Tisane pour le sommeil et les nerfs, Tisane pour les enfants, Tisane pour l'estomac, Tisane purgative, Tisane relaxante, Tisane Touraine, Vagostabyl, Valerina Day Time, Valerina Night-Time, Valverde Drag?es pour la d?tente, Wechseltee, Ze185.

Background

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb that grows in southern Europe. Lemon balm is believed to have sedative, anti-gas, fever-reducing, antibacterial, spasm-reducing, blood pressure-lowering, memory-enhancing, menstruation-inducing, and thyroid-related effects, and it is thought by some to be an herbal cure-all. Research suggests that lemon balm may contain high levels of antioxidants.
Lemon balm is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which also includes dittany, mint, sage, siderites, and sweet marjoram.
Research appears to support the use of lemon balm applied directly to the skin to manage herpes infection symptoms. Lemon balm has also been studied for a number of medical conditions, including anxiety, stomach lining inflammation, and irritable bowel syndrome. While some early findings have indicated promise, more studies are needed before conclusions can be made.
No serious side effects have been associated with lemon balm, although research on long-term use is limited.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Research suggests that lemon balm applied to the skin may effectively treat symptoms of herpes simplex infections. Lomaherpan?, a 1% dried lemon balm extract cream, has been used in most studies. While results are promising, further research is required to confirm the effects of lemon balm.

 B


Research suggests that lemon balm applied to the skin may effectively treat symptoms of herpes simplex infections. Lomaherpan?, a 1% dried lemon balm extract cream, has been used in most studies. While results are promising, further research is required to confirm the effects of lemon balm.

 B


Research has found that lemon balm aromatherapy may help reduce stress and agitation in people with dementia. Although findings are promising, more research is needed to better understand these effects.

 C


Research has found that lemon balm aromatherapy may help reduce stress and agitation in people with dementia. Although findings are promising, more research is needed to better understand these effects.

 C


Early research supports the use of lemon balm for anxiety. Although results are positive, more research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Early research supports the use of lemon balm for anxiety. Although results are positive, more research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


A combination treatment containing lemon balm has been studied in the treatment of infant colic. Early research suggests that it may be an effective treatment for this condition. Although results are promising, more studies are needed.

 C


A combination treatment containing lemon balm has been studied in the treatment of infant colic. Early research suggests that it may be an effective treatment for this condition. Although results are promising, more studies are needed.

 C


There is limited evidence suggesting that a combination herbal treatment that includes lemon balm may be effective in the treatment of colitis. However, more research is needed.

 C


There is limited evidence suggesting that a combination herbal treatment that includes lemon balm may be effective in the treatment of colitis. However, more research is needed.

 C


There is a lack of evidence to show that a combination lemon balm treatment may be effective in treating depression. More research in this area is needed.

 C


There is a lack of evidence to show that a combination lemon balm treatment may be effective in treating depression. More research in this area is needed.

 C


Early evidence suggests that combination products containing lemon balm may reduce indigestion. However, more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Early evidence suggests that combination products containing lemon balm may reduce indigestion. However, more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Lemon balm-containing treatments have been used for stomach pain, discomfort, and bloating. While some results are positive, more studies looking at the effects of lemon balm alone are needed to determine its effectiveness.

 C


Lemon balm-containing treatments have been used for stomach pain, discomfort, and bloating. While some results are positive, more studies looking at the effects of lemon balm alone are needed to determine its effectiveness.

 C


There is limited evidence to support the use of lemon balm in treating mental disorders. More high-quality trials are needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

 C


There is limited evidence to support the use of lemon balm in treating mental disorders. More high-quality trials are needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Some studies found that lemon balm extract may affect mood and cognition. More research is needed to better assess the effectiveness of this treatment.

 C


Some studies found that lemon balm extract may affect mood and cognition. More research is needed to better assess the effectiveness of this treatment.

 C


There is limited evidence supporting the use of lemon balm to treat restlessness in children. More research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


There is limited evidence supporting the use of lemon balm to treat restlessness in children. More research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


There is a lack of high-quality evidence supporting the use of lemon balm as a sleep aid. Most studies have used lemon balm in combination products. More research is needed to determine the potential sedative effects of lemon balm alone.

 C


There is a lack of high-quality evidence supporting the use of lemon balm as a sleep aid. Most studies have used lemon balm in combination products. More research is needed to determine the potential sedative effects of lemon balm alone.

 C


Early research suggests that an herbal combination product containing lemon balm may reduce anxiety and depression associated with somatoform disorder. More research is needed before any conclusions can be made.

 C


Early research suggests that an herbal combination product containing lemon balm may reduce anxiety and depression associated with somatoform disorder. More research is needed before any conclusions can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
A common dose of lemon balm is one cup of tea taken by mouth several times daily as needed. Some evidence suggests using 1.5-4.5 grams of lemon balm herb in tea by mouth several times daily. A dose of 2-6 milliliters three times daily has been taken by mouth. A dose of 8-10 grams of lemon balm leaves has been taken by mouth daily. Single doses of 300 milligrams, 600 milligrams, and 900 milligrams of lemon balm extract have been studied.
For agitation in dementia, a lotion containing lemon balm essential oils has been applied directly to the hands and face twice daily. 1 milliliter of lotion containing 100 milligrams of melissa oil has been massaged into the hands and upper arms for 1-2 minutes twice daily for 12 weeks.
For anxiety and sleep quality, the product, Cyracos?, has been taken by mouth for 15 days. Information on dosing is unavailable at this time.
For mental performance, 60 drops of lemon balm extract have been taken by mouth daily. Doses of 600, 1,000, and 1,600 milligrams of dried leaf capsules (Pharmaton) have been taken by mouth at weekly intervals.
For symptoms of herpes simplex virus infections, a cream containing 1% lemon balm extract has been applied directly to the skin up to five times daily for 14 days. A tea containing lemon balm (prepared by steeping 2-3 grams of lemon balm leaf in 150 milliliters of boiling water for 5-10 minutes and then straining) has been applied to herpes lesions with a cotton ball several times daily.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Lemon balm may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by alcohol and some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Lemon balm may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Lemon balm may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Lemon balm may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Lemon balm may also interact with agents that affect blood vessel width and growth, agents that affect GABA transaminase, agents that affect the immune system, agents that affect the nervous system, agents that may block nerve impulses, agents that prevent muscle spasms, agents that treat skin disorders, agents that treat stomach problems, Alzheimer's agents, antianxiety agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidepressants, antifungal agents, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, antiobesity agents, antiprotozoal agents, antithyroid agents, antiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agents, antivirals, barbiturates, bone formation agents, cholesterol-lowering agents, eye and glaucoma agents, heart health agents, hormonal agents, sleep agents, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and thyroid agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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