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Nutrition and daily life

Lemon balm: calm with a scent of lemon

Lemon balm is a mint-family plant with a light lemon scent. It is loved as a warm evening drink. This section covers the limits and cautions of lemon balm infusion.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Heart-shaped lemon balm leaves and a pale infusion.
Figure 1.Lemon balm, a scent of lemon.

01Short answer

Lemon balm infusion in ordinary amounts is generally safe; it is a gentle, caffeine-free drink. Small studies have looked at anxiety and sleep, but the evidence is not strong. Lemon balm may add to the effect of sleeping pills, and there are reports it may affect thyroid medicines. Tell your doctor about everything you take.

02Simple explanation

Lemon balm has a lemon scent.

A gentle, caffeine-free drink.

Care with sleeping pills.

On thyroid treatment, ask first.

03Scientific explanation

Studies: small studies have looked at lemon balm for anxiety and sleep; it is generally considered safe for short-term use.

NCI: there is no evidence that herbal infusions treat leukemia.

MSK: herbal products can affect how the liver breaks down medicines, so tell your oncologist.

04What happens in the body?

An evening cup

Lemon balm is brewed alone or with chamomile; a calm evening ritual supports sleep hygiene.

An evening cup of lemon balm by the window.
Figure 2.Evening calm — Lemon balm: calm with a scent of lemon

Medicines

If you take sleeping pills, sedatives or thyroid medicines, talk to your doctor first.

Lemon balm leaves and chamomile flowers in a cup.
Figure 3.Lemon balm and chamomile.

Safe brewing

Sealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.

With medicines

1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

05Brewing: four steps

Sealed bag, swap market herbs, boiling water, drink hot.

Sealed bag — Factory-made.1Sealed bagFactory-made.
Not loose — A bag instead.2Not looseA bag instead.
Boiling water — Covered.3Boiling waterCovered.
Drink soon — Do not keep.4Drink soonDo not keep.
ComfortA warm drink.
FluidsThrough the day.
SafetyBoiling water.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
An evening cupLemon balm is brewed alone or with chamomile; a calm evening ritual supports sleep hygiene.
MedicinesIf you take sleeping pills, sedatives or thyroid medicines, talk to your doctor first.
Safe brewingSealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.
With medicines1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

07Key terms

Lemon balm
A lemon-scented mint-family plant.
Sedative
A medicine that reduces anxiety.
Infusion
A herb steeped in boiling water.
Extract
A concentrated plant substance.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Lemon balm is a gentle drink.
  • Evidence is limited.
  • Care with sleeping pills.
  • Sealed bag and boiling water.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Does it help anxiety?

Some feel calmer; with serious anxiety, talk to your team.

Can I combine it with chamomile?

Yes, in a mild infusion.

Does this infusion treat leukemia?

No. It is a warm, pleasant drink, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does it help anxiety?

  2. Can I combine it with chamomile?

  3. Does this infusion treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  4. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  5. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  6. NHS. Sugar: the facts
  7. NHS. Salt: the facts
  8. American Heart Association. Sodium and salt
  9. MedlinePlus. Sodium in diet
  10. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs. Turmeric
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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