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Lemon Balm

What does the research say about Lemon Balm?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Research on lemon balm has examined its potential effects on 2 health outcomes, primarily in cardiovascular health. The strongest evidence, based on 3 studies, suggests a moderate effect on reducing systolic blood pressure in adults with hypertension, though the evidence base remains small and preliminary. Observed effects typically appear after 28 days of supplementation, with studies using liquid extracts or capsules at varying doses.

Strongest evidence The most consistent finding is for reduced systolic blood pressure, supported by 3 studies (all beneficial) with moderate evidence strength. The predominant effect size was moderate, and all studies reported positive outcomes in adults with stage 1 or essential hypertension. Doses varied (liquid extract or capsule), and effects were seen after 28 days. No harmful effects were reported.

Mixed or weaker evidence For reduced diastolic blood pressure, the evidence is weaker and mixed. Of 3 studies, 2 showed beneficial effects (moderate to large), while 1 meta-analysis found a neutral, non-significant effect. The evidence strength is rated as low due to this inconsistency and the small number of studies. The positive RCTs involved stage 1 hypertensive patients using 400 mg/day (powder) or 10 mL/day (liquid extract).

Effective dose patterns Cross-cutting dose insights are limited because the two outcomes share overlapping studies. For diastolic blood pressure, two specific doses were effective: 400 mg/day (powder form) and 10 mL/day (liquid extract). For systolic blood pressure, the effective dose was not consistently reported across all studies, but the same two RCTs used similar dosing ranges. No single optimal dose can be determined from this small evidence base.

Population insights Both outcomes were studied in adults with hypertension — specifically stage 1 or essential hypertension. No studies were identified in normotensive populations, so effects in people with normal blood pressure are unknown. There is no evidence to suggest benefit in other populations (e.g., elderly, deficient groups).

Notable caveats The evidence base across both outcomes is small (only 3 studies each), and conclusions should be considered preliminary. The overwhelmingly positive results for systolic blood pressure may reflect publication bias (null results less likely published). For diastolic blood pressure, the sole meta-analysis contradicted the two positive RCTs, raising questions about study design and dosage comparability. The two RCTs used different forms (liquid vs. capsule) at different doses, limiting direct comparison.

Frequently asked

  • What is lemon balm good for according to research?
    Current research on lemon balm focuses on blood pressure reduction. The strongest evidence is for reducing systolic blood pressure in adults with hypertension, with all 3 studies reporting beneficial effects. Evidence for diastolic blood pressure is weaker and mixed, with 2 of 3 studies showing benefit.
  • What dose of lemon balm is typically used in studies?
    For reducing diastolic blood pressure, effective doses were 400 mg/day (powder) or 10 mL/day (liquid extract). For systolic blood pressure, the same two RCTs used similar dosing, though a uniform dose was not reported across all 3 studies. Doses appear to be effective after 28 days of supplementation.
  • Who benefits most from lemon balm?
    All studies were conducted in adults with hypertension (stage 1 or essential). No research is available on normotensive individuals or other populations (e.g., elderly, those with deficiencies). Effects may not generalize beyond hypertensive adults.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on lemon balm?
    Yes. The evidence base is small — only 3 studies per outcome — making conclusions preliminary. The consistently positive findings for systolic blood pressure may reflect publication bias. For diastolic blood pressure, the results are mixed: one meta-analysis found no effect, while two RCTs did, raising questions about comparability across study designs, doses, and forms.
  • Does lemon balm help with reducing systolic blood pressure?
    Three studies all reported beneficial effects on systolic blood pressure in hypertensive adults, with moderate to large effect sizes. The evidence strength is rated as moderate. However, the small number of studies and possible publication bias mean results should be interpreted cautiously.
  • Does lemon balm help with reducing diastolic blood pressure?
    Two out of 3 studies found a beneficial effect, with moderate to large effect sizes. However, a meta-analysis found a neutral, non-significant result, and the overall evidence strength is low. The positive findings come from individual RCTs that have not yet been consistently replicated in meta-analytic research.

Safety profile

6 studies reporting safety data1 serious adverse event

Across 6 clinical studies, no specific adverse events were quantitatively reported for Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) extract. The supplement was generally described as well tolerated in all studies, with one study explicitly stating that no serious adverse events occurred. However, the evidence base is limited by small sample sizes and the lack of quantitative safety data.

Caveats: Most studies were small and designed for efficacy rather than safety, so rare adverse events may not be detected. Long-term safety data are lacking, and findings are based on a limited number of studies (6); absence of reported adverse events does not establish safety.

Most-studied combinations with Lemon Balm

most supplement research is combination research
Also studied with:Ginkgo (3), Pine (2), Ginseng (2)

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