Organic Lemon Balm Extract (Melissa officinalis)

Organic Lemon Balm Extract (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm is a gentle yet deeply effective nervine herb from the mint family, with a long history of use across European and Middle Eastern herbal traditions. Prized for its calming, uplifting, and restorative properties, it is one of the most versatile herbs for the nervous system — supporting stress relief, restful sleep, mood balance, and cognitive calm. Lemon Balm works in part by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain — a key neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces nervous excitability. This extract is prepared using 60% alcohol to capture a broad spectrum of naturally occurring plant compounds.

Traditional Herbal Use

Stress, Anxiety & Nervous System Calm

Lemon Balm has been used for centuries as a nervine tonic — calming an overactive nervous system without sedating or dulling the mind. It is traditionally indicated for nervous tension, anxiety, restlessness, and the physical symptoms of stress such as palpitations and digestive upset. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (BHP) classifies it as a carminative, antispasmodic, and sedative, specifically indicated for nervous excitability and anxiety states. Its GABA-modulating activity is now understood to underpin much of this traditional calming effect.

Sleep Support & Relaxation

One of the most widely used herbs for sleep onset and quality, Lemon Balm is traditionally combined with Valerian and Passionflower for insomnia, racing thoughts, and difficulty winding down. Studies have shown it can significantly improve sleep duration and quality, especially in individuals experiencing stress or anxiety-related sleep disturbances. It is particularly suited to those whose sleep difficulties are driven by an overactive mind or nervous tension rather than physical fatigue.

Mood & Emotional Wellbeing

Lemon Balm has a long traditional use as a mood-lifting herb — historically described as making the heart merry and used for melancholy, low mood, and emotional exhaustion. It is considered a gentle antidepressant nervine, supporting emotional resilience and a sense of calm wellbeing.

Cognitive Function & Mental Clarity

Traditionally used to support memory, concentration, and mental clarity — particularly in states of nervous exhaustion or stress-related cognitive fog. Lemon Balm is one of the few calming herbs that simultaneously supports alertness and focus, making it suitable for daytime use.

Digestive & Gut Support

As a carminative and antispasmodic, Lemon Balm has a long tradition of use for nervous digestive complaints — including bloating, gas, cramping, nausea, and irritable bowel symptoms triggered or worsened by stress. The gut-brain connection makes Lemon Balm particularly valuable for those whose digestive symptoms are stress-related.

Antiviral Activity

Lemon Balm has a well-established traditional and research-supported history of use for cold sores (oral herpes) and other viral infections. Applied topically or taken internally, it has been used to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of outbreaks.

What the Research Shows

• A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a standardised Lemon Balm extract significantly reduced anxiety and insomnia in participants with mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders. (Kennedy DO et al., Psychosomatic Medicine, 2004)
• A combination of Lemon Balm and Valerian was shown to improve sleep quality in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, with 81% of participants reporting improved sleep compared to 25% in the placebo group. (Cerny A & Schmid K, Fitoterapia, 1999)
• Lemon Balm extract demonstrated significant antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) in vitro, supporting its traditional use for cold sore management. (Schnitzler P et al., Phytomedicine, 2008)
• A study in healthy volunteers found that Lemon Balm extract improved mood and cognitive performance, increasing calmness and reducing the negative effects of laboratory-induced psychological stress. (Kennedy DO et al., Neuropsychopharmacology, 2004)

How to Use

Take 20–30 drops (approximately 1–1.5ml) in a little juice or water, once or twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. For sleep support, take a dose 30–60 minutes before bed. In warm water, action is quicker; in cold water, the effect is more extended and settling. Traditional doses range from 1–2ml up to three times daily.

Safety

Lemon Balm is considered one of the safest herbs in the Western tradition and is suitable for all ages including children and the elderly. No adverse effects are expected at recommended doses. May have mild thyroid-modulating activity — those with thyroid conditions or taking thyroid medication should consult their healthcare practitioner before use. Consult your healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a health condition.

Ingredients

Organic Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), 60% alcohol.

Stack This With

• Passionflower Extract — deep nervous system calm and sleep support
• Chamomile Extract — gentle nervine tonic for all ages
• Oat Straw Extract — nervous system restoration and resilience
• Ashwagandha Extract — adaptogenic stress resilience and cortisol support
• Magnesium Glycinate — nervous system and sleep support
• Glycine — rest, recovery, and deep sleep

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Related Wellness Guides

• Natural Sleep Support
• How to Lower Cortisol Naturally
• Wellness Hub — explore all herbal guides

Naturally Occurring Compounds

• Rosmarinic acid — potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenol
• Flavonoids — including luteolin and apigenin; support nervous system calm and antiviral activity
• Volatile oils — including citral, linalool, and geraniol; responsible for the characteristic lemon scent and calming properties
• Triterpenes — including ursolic and oleanolic acid; anti-inflammatory activity
• Tannins — astringent and antiviral properties
• Minerals — potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc
• Vitamins — Vitamin C, Vitamin E, B1 (Thiamine), B2, B6, B9 (Folate)

Content provided for informational purposes only. Not medical advice. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Consult your healthcare practitioner.