---
title: "Chamomile or Lemon Balm? | Herbadex"
description: "Chamomile for an upset stomach, lemon balm for stress and sleep: uses, age limits and pregnancy status of two calming herbal teas side by side."
language: en
url: https://herbadex.com/en/compare/chamomile-vs-lemon-balm/
source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com)
---

Comparisons

# Chamomile or Lemon Balm?

Both are known as "calming teas", but the uses highlighted in their EMA assessments differ. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.

| Aspect | Chamomile Matricaria recutita | Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Strongest evidence | T Traditional use | T Traditional use |
| Needs | Digestion, Immunity, Respiratory, Throat & Mouth, Skin & Hair | Sleep, Stress & Mood, Digestion |
| Form | Dried Herb & Tea | Dried Herb & Tea |
| How to use | Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1.5–4 g of dried flowers. | Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1.5–4.5 g of dried lemon balm leaf. |
| Pregnancy | Generally safe | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Generally safe | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | Not stated | From age 12 |
| Drug interactions | Interactions reported | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | Not stated | See a doctor if no better after 2 weeks |

## Which one, when?

### Chamomile

Traditionally used for bloating and mild stomach cramps, colds and mouth or throat irritation. As a tea it can be given from 6 months with an age-appropriate dose.

[Full card →](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chamomile/)

### Lemon Balm

Traditionally used for mild stress, to aid sleep and for mild bloating. Not recommended under 12.

[Full card →](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/lemon-balm/)

## Good to know

-   Chamomile can cause allergic reactions in people allergic to the daisy family.
-   Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has been established for chamomile tea, but not for lemon balm.

## Sources

1.  [European Union herbal monograph on Matricaria recutita L., flos](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-matricaria-recutita-l-flos-first-version_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2015
2.  [Community herbal monograph on Melissa officinalis L., folium](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-melissa-officinalis-l-folium_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2013

This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.