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Lemon Balm Side Effects & Safety

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

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Very well tolerated — one of the safest herbal supplements
  • Mild nausea (rare)
  • Abdominal pain (rare)
  • Headache (rare)
  • Increased appetite (occasionally reported)
  • Drowsiness at higher doses

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Thyroid medications — lemon balm may inhibit TSH binding and reduce thyroid hormone levels; avoid in hypothyroidism
  • Sedative medications — mild additive calming effects
  • Glaucoma medications — lemon balm may increase intraocular pressure (theoretical)
  • HIV medications — rosmarinic acid may interact with certain antiretroviral drugs (theoretical)

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 1,200mg/day of standardized extract (limited data above this)

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