Skip to main content
SupplementScience

Lemon Balm Side Effects & Safety

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. 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. (). Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Psychosomatic Medicine. DOI
  2. (). 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. (). Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. DOI
  4. (). Tolerability and efficacy of valerian/lemon balm in healthy volunteers (a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study). Fitoterapia. DOI