Lemon Balm

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Mood SupportStress & MoodModerateBNo linked study

Acute StressStress & MoodModerateBNo linked study

Chronic StressStress & MoodModerateBNo linked study

AnxietyStress & MoodModerateBNo linked study

Sleep qualitySleepModerateBNo linked study

MemoryCognitionSmallBNo linked study

All 10 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

Can lemon balm take the edge off stress?

Small trials offer encouraging signals. A 2021 review found better anxiety and depression symptom scores than placebo, but the trials were few and their methods varied substantially. The result warrants further research rather than a confident treatment claim. 1

Why people take it

Stress & Mood23.4%

Sleep18.1%

Essential Health15.1%

Cognition14.1%

Immune Support8.5%

Energy5.2%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Does lemon balm improve concentration?

A small trial found faster mathematical processing with 300 mg, while 600 mg reduced alertness. That does not establish a general concentration benefit. 2

Is it a proven treatment for depression?

The 2021 review found a positive symptom signal, but few heterogeneous trials leave treatment efficacy uncertain. 1

What is the thyroid concern?

EMA describes effects on thyroid-stimulating hormone activity in laboratory and animal experiments. Their clinical relevance is unknown; this is not proof of a thyroid effect in people. 3

Is tea the same as the extract used in trials?

No. Leaf tea and standardized extracts are different preparations, and the laboratory trial does not establish an equivalent tea dose. 2 4