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VIGoals·Stress & anxiety1 claim · 2 sources

Lemon balm for Stress & anxiety

Melissa officinalis · Lamiaceae

Reduces stress and improves calm Evidence rated moderate (d = 0.62).

Want the full plant profile? See Lemon balm botanical profile →

Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) — botanical photograph
I

How it works mechanism

Rosmarinic acid inhibits GABA-T, raising synaptic GABA. RCTs show acute mood-improving effects.
II

Evidence cited sources

2 sources
Moderate evidenceeffect size d = 0.62

Reduces stress and improves calm

Sources
  • Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in mild to moderate anxiety (2011)
  • Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (2003)
III

Dosage & preparation

PreparationDoseNotes
Standardized capsule300.000–600.000 mg · 1–2×/day— (max 56d)
Infusion / tea1.500–4.500 g · 1–3×/day— (max 56d)
Tincture (1:5, 45%)2.000–6.000 ml · 3×/day— (max 42d)
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Safety & cautions

caution · sedatives
Mild additive sedation possible.
info · thyroid
Theoretical antithyroid effect at high doses; clinical relevance unclear.
V

Other plants for Stress & anxiety

8 alternatives
Lavender
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
high
Chamomile
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
high
Passionflower
Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
moderate
St John's wort
St John's wort
Hypericum perforatum
moderate
Valerian
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
moderate
Crataegus atrosanguinea
Crataegus atrosanguinea
Crataegus atrosanguinea
moderate
Agar Wood
Agar Wood
Aquilaria malaccensis
moderate
Alaska Violet Aleutian violet
Alaska Violet Aleutian violet
Viola langsdorffii
moderate
VI

Frequently asked

Is Lemon balm effective for Stress & anxiety?

Reduces stress and improves calm Evidence is rated moderate with an effect size of d=0.62. See the Evidence section above for cited sources.

What is the recommended dose of Lemon balm for Stress & anxiety?

Typical adult dose: 300.000–600.000 mg as Standardized capsule, 1–2 times daily. See the Dosage table for all forms. Always start at the lower end.

What are the safety risks of Lemon balm for Stress & anxiety?

Mild additive sedation possible. See the Safety section for the full list of contraindications and drug interactions.

How does Lemon balm compare to other plants for Stress & anxiety?

See the alternatives section above — we list other species with documented effects on Stress & anxiety, ranked by evidence quality.

Is this medical advice?

No. This is educational reference. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal preparation, especially alongside prescription medication.

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