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Dietary supplement

Lemon Balm Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Alvita

Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Lemon Balm is a dietary supplement by Alvita with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anxiety and stress, sleep problems, digestive upset.Based on those ingredients, 264 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Lemon Balm. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lemon Balm by Alvita

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Alvita Lemon Balm is a single-ingredient tea made from lemon balm leaf. There are no other active ingredients and no inactive fillers listed for this product.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: traditionally used for calming support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Stress, Insomnia, nervousness, restlessness.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lemon Balm is rated "Possibly Effective" for Stress (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lemon Balm is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety, Insomnia.

The evidence shows lemon balm is possibly effective for cold sores (herpes labialis) when applied topically or taken by mouth, and possibly effective for stress and depression when taken orally. These ratings mean the research suggests it may help, but more evidence is still needed to be certain.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lemon Balm

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Lemon balm is generally well tolerated in the short term for most healthy adults, though safety at high doses or with long-term use hasn't been thoroughly studied. A small number of people reported dizziness or sedation in trials, but these didn't happen more often than with placebo.

When applied as a cream to cold sores, a few cases of skin irritation or worsening of the sore were reported, though again not more often than placebo. Pregnancy safety data is limited—the evidence advises against use during pregnancy unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise.

For breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety information; talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lemon Balm

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Lemon Balm.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 264 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Alvita Lemon Balm, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take CNS depressants (sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs, opioids, or alcohol) or thyroid hormone replacement therapy. These are the Moderate-severity interactions documented for this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Lemon Balm tea may be worth considering if you're dealing with cold sores, stress, or low mood and want to try an herbal option—the evidence supports possible benefit. If you take sleep aids, sedatives, anxiety medications, opioids, or thyroid replacement therapy, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Pregnant or breastfeeding—discuss it with your healthcare provider before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 21, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Lemon Balm, straight from the product label.

Brand Alvita
Net contents 24 Tea Bag(s); 1.27 Oz(s); 36 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 21, 2022
DSLD ID 268603
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Lemon Balm by Alvita, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tea Bag(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tea Bag(s)
Servings per container
24
IngredientAmount% DV
Lemon Balm1.5 Gram(s)--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Organic

Traditionally used for calming support

Naturally caffeine free

Certified Organic by QAI.

Certified gluten-free by NSF.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Alvita Since 1922

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

NSF Certified Gluten-Free USDA Organic

Quality Assurance International Certified Organic Star-K (Kosher)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Preparation Place one tea bag in a cup and add 8 oz of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Gently squeeze tea bag and remove. Directions for use: We recommend 3 cups daily. Add sweetener if desired

How to brew 1. Pour 8 oz 2. Temp 212 Degrees F 3. Steep 10 min

Formula

Star-K (Kosher)

Lemon Balm Melissa, the genus name for lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), translates to "bee" in Greek, and refers to the plant's reputation for attracting bees. However, this fragrant and flavorful plant is also a favorite among humans, who for centuries have brewed the leaves of lemon balm into an enjoyable tea that has been traditionally used for calming support. Alvita Lemon Balm Tea is made with premium quality, organic lemon balm leaves, and produces a delightfully lemony flavor and aroma.

General Statements

The Alvita Story… In 1922, a new era for tea consumption began in America. The herb alfalfa, long known for its beneficial nutrients, was packaged in tea bags and sold to an emerging health food market. This product became known as Alvita and set the standard for future herbal teas. Today, Alvita represents more than forty single-ingredient teas, each one uniquely distinct, just like the individuals who drink them. Alvita chooses only the highest quality organic, wildcrafted, or cultivated botanicals, perfectly prepared to provide you with the best Mother Nature has to offer. Historical and scientific literature is painstakingly studied to ensure that the correct traditional plant and most appropriate servings are used, delivering premium flavor and quality. Herbs are gifts from the earth. Alvita takes its stewardship seriously by offering carefully harvested teas in earth-friendly packaging. Our beautifully illustrated boxes are made using recycled paperboard and our English, pillow style tea bags are oxygen bleached, not chlorine treated. You won’t find a better product, with a cleaner package… anywhere. Alvita… brewed with confidence, steeped in tradition.

100% Recycled Paperboard Recyclable

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant or nursing, taking any medication or have any medical condition, consult a health care professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Lemon Balm by Alvita label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lemon Balm by Alvita

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tea Bag(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container24 Amounts shown are per serving.

Lemon Balm

Interacts with
264 drugs
1.5 Gram(s) per serving

Lemon balm is a gentle, lemon-scented mint-family herb traditionally used to ease stress, support sleep, and calm digestion, and topically for cold so...

Lemon Balm monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Lemon Balm by Alvita Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Lemon Balm?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
264Drugs
264 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Lemon Balm with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Lemon Balm2 drug types · 264 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of lemon balm might have additive effects with CNS depressant drugs.
Lemon balm seems to have CNS depressant activity in animals and in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, lemon balm might interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
In vitro, constituents of lemon balm extract bind to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), preventing TSH receptor-binding and leading to the inhibition of TSH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. In animals, lemon balm extract has been shown to decrease levels of circulating TSH and inhibit thyroid secretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Lemon Balm, from the product label.

Alvita

See all Alvita products
Name
Twinlab Corporation
City
American Fork
State
UT
ZipCode
84003
Phone Number
1-800-645-5626
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lemon Balm by Alvita: Common Questions

Does Lemon Balm by Alvita interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Lemon Balm has a known interaction with 264 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Lemon Balm contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this make me drowsy?
Lemon balm does have mild CNS depressant activity, so drowsiness is a theoretical risk—especially if you combine it with sleep aids, anti-anxiety meds, or alcohol. In clinical trials, dizziness and sedation were reported, but they didn't occur more often than placebo. If you're sensitive to sedating herbs, start cautiously and see how you feel.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
Not enough reliable safety data exists, so it's best avoided during pregnancy unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you're pregnant or planning to be, talk with your doctor before using this tea.
Can I use this while breastfeeding?
Limited safety information is available for breastfeeding. Use caution and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using lemon balm while nursing to make sure it's right for you.
Does it really work for cold sores?
The evidence says lemon balm is possibly effective for cold sores, meaning research suggests it may help but we need more studies to be certain. You can apply it as a cream or take it by mouth.
What if I take thyroid medication?
Lemon balm may theoretically interfere with how thyroid hormone replacement works by affecting thyroid signaling. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this tea to your routine if you're on thyroid medication.
How long can I safely use this?
Lemon balm is generally well tolerated for short-term use, but safety data for high doses and long-term use isn't well studied. If you plan to use it regularly for weeks or months, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's appropriate for you.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Lemon Balm label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Lemon Balm's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 12 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Lemon Balm 12 references
  1. Wolbling RH, Leonhardt K. Local therapy of herpes simplex with dried extract from Melissa officinalis. Phytomedicine 1994;1:25-31.
  2. Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, et al. Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2003;74:863-6. PubMed
  3. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, et al. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2002;72:953-64. PubMed
  4. Albrecht M, Berger W, Laux P, Schmidt U, et al. Psychopharmaka und Verkehrssicherheit. Der Einfluß von Euvegal® - Dragees forte auf die Fahrtüchtigkeit und Kombinationswirkungen mit Alkohol Z Allg Med 1995;71:1215-25.
  5. Herberg, KW. Nebenwirkungen pflanzlicher Beruhigungsmittel/ Leistung und Befinden nach Einnahme einer Baldrian-Hopfen-Kombination. Z.Allg Med 1996;72:234-240.
  6. Soulimani R, Fleurentin J, Mortier F, et al. Neurotropic action of the hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis in the mouse. Planta Med. 1991 Apr;57:105-9.
  7. Sourgens H, Winterhoff H, Gumbinger HG, et al. Antihormonal effects of plant extracts. TSH- and prolactin-suppressing properties of Lithospermum officinale and other plants. Planta Med. 1982 Jun;45:78-86. DOI
  8. Auf'mkolk M, Ingbar JC, Amir SM, et al. Inhibition by certain plant extracts of the binding and adenylate cyclase stimulatory effect of bovine thyrotropin in human thyroid membranes. Endocrinology. 1984 Aug;115:527-34. PubMed
  9. Santini F, Vitti P, Ceccarini G, et al. In vitro assay of thyroid disruptors affecting TSH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. J Endocrinol Invest. 2003 Oct;26:950-5. PubMed
  10. Alijaniha F, et al. Heart palpitation relief with Melissa officinalis leaf extract: double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial of efficacy and safety. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;164:378-384. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.02.007. Epub 2015 Feb 11. PubMed
  11. Araj-Khodaei M, Noorbala AA, Yarani R, et al. A double-blind, randomized pilot study for comparison of Melissa officinalis L. and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. with Fluoxetine for the treatment of depression. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20(1):207. PubMed
  12. Kucuk U, Pham M, Raza Raja MH, Saad Shaukat MH, Clark R. Transient complete atrioventricular block associated with herbal supplement use. S D Med 2023;76(7):311-313.

See these in context on the Lemon Balm monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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