Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
T Traditional useLemon balm leaf tea is traditionally used to relieve mild symptoms of stress, to aid sleep and for mild bloating and wind in adults.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
The EMA classes lemon balm leaf as a traditional herbal medicine for mild stress, to aid sleep and for mild digestive complaints such as bloating. The assessment rests on long-standing use. The monograph lists no known adverse effects.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve mild symptoms of stress and to aid sleep. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1.5–4.5 g of dried lemon balm leaf.
Amount: 1–3 times daily
Duration limit: See a doctor if no better after 2 weeks
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
- Not recommended for children under 12.
- Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
- If symptoms worsen or do not improve within the stated time, see a doctor or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- None known according to the monograph; report any unexpected effect to a doctor
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Lemon balm tea uses 1.5–4.5 g of leaf; the EMA assesses it for both stress and sleep. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does lemon balm help with sleep?
The EMA accepts lemon balm leaf as a traditional remedy for mild stress and to aid sleep. This use is not proven by clinical trials.
How do I make lemon balm tea?
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1.5–4.5 g of dried leaf. Drink 1–3 times a day.
Is melisa the same as lemon balm?
Yes. Melisa, oğul otu and lemon balm are names for Melissa officinalis.
Can I drink lemon balm tea during pregnancy?
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been shown, so the EMA does not recommend it.
Sources
- Community herbal monograph on Melissa officinalis L., foliumEMA HMPC · 2013
Cite This Page
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/lemon-balm/
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