--- title: "Lemon Balm: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Lemon balm leaf tea is traditionally used to relieve mild symptoms of stress, to aid sleep and for mild bloating and wind in adults." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/lemon-balm/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis T Traditional use Lemon balm leaf tea is traditionally used to relieve mild symptoms of stress, to aid sleep and for mild bloating and wind in adults. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** leaves **Key constituents:** Rosmarinic Acid & Citral 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 Traditionally used to relieve mild symptoms of stress and to aid sleep. \[1\] - T Traditional use 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [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 ### Cite This Page Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/lemon-balm/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Chamomile or Lemon Balm?](https://herbadex.com/en/compare/chamomile-vs-lemon-balm/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Basil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/basil/) T Traditional use Ocimum basilicum An aromatic culinary herb. 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[Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea) [Dried Herb & Tea →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Echinacea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/echinacea/) A Strong clinical evidence Echinacea purpurea Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered. [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Senna](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/senna/) A Strong clinical evidence Senna alexandrina A stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. No longer than 1 week; not for children under 12, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Ginkgo Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginkgo/) A Strong clinical evidence Ginkgo biloba Standardised ginkgo extract may help age-related cognitive decline and mild dementia; bleeding risk and interactions call for caution. [Energy & Focus](https://herbadex.com/en/for/energy-focus/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) 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.