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Benefits of Lemon Balm

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Evidence-Based Benefits

  • Stress reduction — Kennedy et al. (2004) showed 600mg lemon balm significantly increased self-rated calmness and reduced alertness-related anxiety during a controlled laboratory stress test (Defined Intensity Stressor Simulation)
  • Anxiety and insomnia relief — Cases et al. (2011) found Cyracos lemon balm extract (600mg/day for 15 days) reduced anxiety manifestations by 49% and insomnia by 39% in an open-label study of 20 stressed volunteers
  • GABA enhancement — rosmarinic acid and other compounds inhibit GABA transaminase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down GABA in the brain, effectively raising GABAergic tone without directly agonizing receptors
  • Cognitive enhancement — paradoxically for a calming herb, Kennedy et al. (2003) found 600mg lemon balm improved accuracy and speed of mathematical processing, suggesting it reduces cognitive interference from anxiety rather than impairing function
  • Combination efficacy — Cerny & Schmid (1999) found a valerian-lemon balm combination significantly improved sleep quality in a double-blind RCT of 98 volunteers, with effects comparable to triazolam

What the Research Says

Lemon balm has demonstrated moderate clinical support for its effects on stress, anxiety, sleep, and certain cardiometabolic parameters. Kennedy et al. (2004) found that 600mg of lemon balm reduced acute stress in a controlled setting. In an open-label study, Cases et al. (2011) reported significant reductions in anxiety by 49% and insomnia by 39% over 15 days with the Cyracos extract. Additionally, Kennedy et al. (2003) observed cognitive benefits alongside calming effects in participants.

The mechanism of action involves rosmarinic acid, which inhibits GABA transaminase, thereby increasing GABA availability (Awad et al., 2009). This effect is supported by in vitro studies. Furthermore, the combination of valerian and lemon balm has been studied in European trials for sleep support (Cerny & Schmid, 1999).

Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide additional evidence. Ghazizadeh et al. (2021) analyzed eight RCTs involving 569 participants, concluding that lemon balm significantly reduced anxiety (SMD: -0.98) and depression (SMD: -0.47) scores compared to placebo, though with notable heterogeneity. Heshmati et al. (2020) reviewed seven RCTs (n=305), finding that lemon balm intake reduces total cholesterol (-0.26 SMD, p<0.05) and systolic blood pressure (-0.56 SMD, p<0.01). Shahsavari et al. (2024) conducted a meta-analysis of five RCTs involving 302 participants, showing that lemon balm significantly lowers triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL levels but does not affect HDL.

Overall, lemon balm has demonstrated efficacy in managing anxiety, depression, and certain cardiometabolic parameters, though further research is needed to address study heterogeneity and confirm long-term effects.

Related Conditions

StressSleep
Full Lemon Balm Guide

References

  1. RCTKennedy DO, Little W, Scholey AB (2004). Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Psychosomatic Medicine. DOI PubMed
  2. Cases J, Ibarra A, Feuillère N, Roller M, Sukkar SG (2011). Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. DOI
  3. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NTJ, Perry EK, Wesnes KA (2003). Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. DOI PubMed
  4. Cerny A, Schmid K (1999). Tolerability and efficacy of valerian/lemon balm in healthy volunteers (a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study). Fitoterapia. DOI
  5. Meta-analysisShahsavari K, Shams Ardekani MR, Khanavi M, Jamialahmadi T, et al. (2024). Effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) consumption on serum lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. BMC complementary medicine and therapies. DOI PubMed
  6. Meta-analysisGhazizadeh J, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Marx W, Fakhari A, et al. (2021). The effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on depression and anxiety in clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Phytotherapy research : PTR. DOI PubMed
  7. Meta-analysisHeshmati J, Morvaridzadeh M, Sepidarkish M, Fazelian S, et al. (2020). Effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) on cardio-metabolic outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Phytotherapy research : PTR. DOI PubMed
Show 4 more references
  1. ReviewUlbricht C, Brendler T, Gruenwald J, Kligler B, et al. (2005). Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.. Journal of herbal pharmacotherapy. PubMed
  2. Urata M, Sakurai H, Ueno F, Maruki T, et al. (2025). Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions in Milder Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. Neuropsychopharmacology reports. DOI PubMed
  3. Gutiérrez-Romero SA, Torres-Narváez ES, Zamora-Gómez AC, Castillo-Castillo S, et al. (2024). Effect of a nutraceutical combination on sleep quality among people with impaired sleep: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.. Scientific reports. DOI PubMed
  4. Wesolowska A, Pietrzak B, Kociszewska-Najman B, Wielgos M, et al. (2021). Barley malt-based composition as a galactagogue - a randomized, controlled trial in preterm mothers.. Ginekologia polska. DOI PubMed