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Dietary supplement

Lemon Balm Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Solaray

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Lemon Balm is a dietary supplement by Solaray 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 organic Lemon Balm. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lemon Balm by Solaray

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.

This product contains one active ingredient: organic lemon balm, a dried herb from the mint family traditionally used for stress and sleep support. The capsule itself is made from vegetable cellulose, and the formula includes an organic rice extract blend as an inactive ingredient.

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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Lemon Balm's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Lemon Balm for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Herpes labialis (cold sores) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Depression — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Stress — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

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. The evidence base exists but isn't conclusive — more robust research would be needed to say it definitely works for these uses.

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 for short-term use in most healthy adults. Dizziness and sedation have been reported orally, though they don't appear more common than with placebo; similarly, topical irritation from lemon balm cream occurred in only isolated cases.

High doses and long-term safety haven't been well studied. During pregnancy, there isn't enough reliable safety data, so it's best avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise.

While breastfeeding, limited safety information exists — talk with your doctor 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 this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take thyroid hormone replacement therapy or any CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, anxiety medications, or other drugs that slow your brain activity). Lemon balm may interfere with how thyroid medication works or add to the drowsy effects of CNS depressants.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Lemon balm may be worth considering if you're looking to manage stress, depression, or cold sores and you don't take thyroid hormone or CNS depressants. If you do take either of those medication types, or any other prescription drugs, check your list with your doctor or pharmacist first.

It's generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety data is sparse.

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 Nov 21, 2020.

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 Solaray
Net contents 100 VegCap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2020
DSLD ID 239799
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Solaray, 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 VegCap(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 VegCap(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
organic Lemon Balm475 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, organic Rice extract Blend

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Melisa officinalis Lemon Balm 475 mg per capsule Whole aerial

Discussion: Indigenous to the mountain regions of southern Europe, lemon balm is now a common plant found in gardens everywhere. There is an old myth that this fragrant herb attracts honey bees more than other plants, giving it the nickname of "bee balm." The flavorful leaves enjoy culinary appreciation, especially in the form of a refreshing tea. In medieval times, drinks with lemon balm were thought to comfort the heart and lift the spirits. Today, a variety of uses exist both internally and topically.

Formulation

Lab verified

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Use only as directed. Take one VegCap daily with a meal or glass of water.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

See for yourself

Lemon Balm by Solaray label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lemon Balm by Solaray

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

Serving size1 VegCap(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Organic Lemon Balm

Interacts with
264 drugs
475 mg 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...

Organic Lemon Balm monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Organic Rice extract Blend. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lemon Balm by Solaray 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.

organic 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.

Solaray

See all Solaray products
Name
Solaray
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lemon Balm by Solaray: Common Questions

Does Lemon Balm by Solaray 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.
Is lemon balm safe to take while pregnant?
There isn't enough reliable safety data to recommend it during pregnancy. It's best avoided unless your doctor specifically advises you otherwise. Talk with your doctor before taking it if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Can I use lemon balm while breastfeeding?
Limited safety information exists for breastfeeding, so use caution and talk to your doctor before using it. They can help you weigh whether it's right for you and your baby.
Will lemon balm make me drowsy?
Dizziness and sedation have been reported with oral lemon balm, but clinical trials show these effects don't occur more often than with placebo. Still, if you're sensitive to sedating herbs or need to stay alert, mention it to your doctor or pharmacist.
Does lemon balm actually work for cold sores?
It's possibly effective — the evidence supports its use, but it's not definitive. Some people find it helpful when applied topically or taken by mouth, though more research would strengthen the case.
How long can I take this safely?
Lemon balm is generally well tolerated for short-term use in most healthy adults. Long-term safety hasn't been well studied, so if you're considering using it long-term, talk with your doctor about what's appropriate for you.

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

Not sure if Lemon Balm is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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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