FWD 2 Commission E: Lemon Balm

  The Commission E Monographs

Lemon Balm


Melissae folium
Melissenbltter
Published December 5, 1984; Revised March 13, 1990

Name of Drug

Melissae folium, lemon balm, melissa.  

Composition of Drug

Lemon balm contains the fresh or dried leaf of Melissa officinalis L.  [Fam.  Lamiaceae], as well as its preparations in effective dosage.  

The leaf contains at least 0.05 percent (v/w) essential oil based on the dried herb.  Main components are citronellal, citral a, and citral b, as well as other mono- and sesquiterpenes.  Other ingredients are tannins unique to the Lamiaceae, such as triterpenylic acid, bitter principles, and flavonoids.  

Uses

Nervous sleeping disorders.  Functional gastrointestinal complaints.  

Contraindications

None known.  

Side Effects

None known.  

Interactions with Other Drugs

None known.  

Dosage

Unless otherwise prescribed:

  • Several times daily, 1.5 - 4.5 g of herb per cup of tea, as needed.  

Mode of Administration

Comminuted herb, herb powder, fluid - extracts or dry extracts for teas and other galenical preparations.  Ground herb and its preparations for oral use.  

Note:Combinations with other sedative and/or carminative herbs may be beneficial.  

Actions

Sedative
Carminative