Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Anxiety, Mood Evidence & Safety

Lemon balm is widely sold for calm and sleep. The human evidence is promising in places, but the study base is still small and uneven.

What the evidence says

A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found improvements in anxiety and depression scores compared with placebo, without serious adverse effects reported in those studies. The authors also noted substantial variation across trials.

Evidence strength

Norene’s Farmacy rating: EARLY HUMAN CLINICAL EVIDENCE, WITH HETEROGENEITY AND LIMITED TRIAL SIZE.

What we do not claim

We do not claim that lemon balm treats anxiety disorders, depression, or insomnia, or replaces professional treatment.

Source: Systematic review and meta-analysis of Melissa officinalis in anxiety and depression. PubMed PMID 34449930.

Dr. Village Reports is educational information and product guidance, not medical advice.