Lemon Balm

Lemon balm suggested uses include for abdominal distension, flatulence, Graves' disease, herpes labialis (topical), insomnia, as an antispasmodic, appetite stimulant, and digestive aid.

Lemon balm is possibly effective for the listed uses.

Lemon balm is available under the following different brand and other names: balm, bee balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, honey plant, Melissa, Melissa folium, Melissa officinalis, sweet balm, and sweet Mary.

Suggested Dosing

Tea

• 1 cup orally as needed; 1.5-4.5 g leaf/150 mL water

Tincture

• 2-6 mL orally three times daily; 1:5 in 45% alcohol

Cream/ointment

• Apply 1% of a 70:1 lyophilized aqueous extract topically two to four times daily up to 14 days

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• See "Suggested Dosing"

Common side effects of lemon_balm include:

• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Sedation
• Skin irritation (topical use)
• Increased cold sore symptoms (topical use)
• Nausea (oral use)
• Vomiting (oral use)
• Abdominal pain (oral use)
• Dizziness (oral use)
• Wheezing (oral use)

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects may occur. Call your doctor for information and medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication for your condition, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions or side effects and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of this medicine or any medicine before getting further information from your doctor, healthcare provider or pharmacist first.

Lemon Balm has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains lemon balm. Do not take balm, bee balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, honey plant, Melissa, Melissa folium, Melissa officinalis, sweet balm, or sweet Mary if you are allergic to lemon balm or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypothyroidism

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Lemon Balm?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Lemon Balm?"

Cautions

• Sedative agents

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Avoid use of lemon balm during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.