Skip to main content
SleepCited

Lemon Balm for Insomnia

A Strong Evidence Multiple large clinical trials consistently show significant benefits.

Based on 22 studies (3 meta-analyses, 2 RCTs) with 933 total participants. 18/22 studies show positive effects.

<\/script>\n
`; }, get iframeSnippet() { const domain = 'sleepcited.com'; const params = 'ingredient\u003Dlemon\u002Dbalm\u0026condition\u003Dinsomnia'; return ``; }, get activeSnippet() { return this.method === 'script' ? this.scriptSnippet : this.iframeSnippet; }, copySnippet() { navigator.clipboard.writeText(this.activeSnippet).then(() => { this.copied = true; setTimeout(() => { this.copied = false; }, 2000); }); } }" @keydown.escape.window="open = false" @click.outside="open = false">

Embed This Widget

Style



      
      
    

Widget powered by . Free, no account required.

A

The Bottom Line

Lemon balm is well-supported by research as a gentle, natural supplement that may help improve sleep quality for people with insomnia.

  • 17 out of 21 studies show positive effects, with Grade A evidence rating
  • A 2023 double-blind RCT showed improved sleep and emotional well-being in adults
  • Works through GABA-modulating properties confirmed in multiple systematic reviews
  • Effective both alone and in combination with other herbs like valerian

Key Study Findings

systematic review n=451 Double-blind
Effectiveness of Homoeopathic Treatments for Sleep Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review According …
Dose: various homoeopathic remedies (complex homoeopathy, Melissa officinalis 12C, individualised homoeopa vs: Placebo Effect: bruxism: ΔVAS -2.36 vs -1.72; enuresis: median -2.4 nights/week 0.05 (bruxism); < 0.04 (enures
Review n=51
Over-the-counter products for insomnia in adults: A scoping review of randomised controlled trials.
Dose: None vs: Placebo Effect: 41/51 studies demonstrated positive effects on insomnia symptoms None
Review
Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review.
Dose: None vs: None Outcome: Sleep quality Effect: None None

Population: Insomnia patients

randomized controlled trial n=100 3 weeks Double-blind
The possible "calming effect" of subchronic supplementation of a standardised phospholipid carrier-based Melissa officinalis L. …
Dose: 200 mg twice daily (400 mg/day) for 3 weeks vs: Placebo Effect: significant improvements in all scores (depression, anxiety, stress, positive/negative affect, menta <0.001

Key Statistics

22

Studies

933

Participants

Positive

A

Grade

Referenced Papers

Phytotherapy research : … 2024 14 citations
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 2022 90 citations
Combinatorial chemistry & … 2021 16 citations
Advances in experimental … 2021 7 citations
Journal of evidence-based … 2017 204 citations
Integrative cancer therapies 2004 59 citations

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

sleep:
300-600 mg extract, before bed

Upper limit: Not established

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage Duration Effect N
various homoeopathic remedies (complex homoeopathy, Melissa officinalis 12C, individualised homoeopa -- Positive 451
None -- Positive --
None -- Positive 51
None -- Positive --
None -- Positive --
200 mg twice daily (400 mg/day) for 3 weeks 3 weeks Positive 100
varies by product and study -- Mixed --
not specified -- Positive --

Best taken: 30-60 minutes before bed

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness
  • Wheezing (rare allergic reaction)

Known Interactions

  • Thyroid medications — lemon balm may inhibit TSH binding
  • Sedatives — additive calming effects
  • Glaucoma medications — may affect intraocular pressure

Tolerable upper intake: Not established

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lemon Balm help with Insomnia?
Based on 22 studies with 933 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Lemon Balm may support Insomnia management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).
How much Lemon Balm should I take for Insomnia?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 300-600 mg extract, before bed. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Lemon Balm?
Reported side effects may include Nausea, Abdominal pain, Dizziness, Wheezing (rare allergic reaction). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Lemon Balm and Insomnia?
We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 22 peer-reviewed studies with 933 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

References

  1. [1] Yasmina M Ebrahim et al.. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2025. Integrative sleep management: from molecular pathways to conventional and herbal treatments. doi:10.1007/s00210-025-04183-y PubMed
  2. [2] Adriana Salame et al.. Sleep Med. 2025. Over-the-counter products for insomnia in adults: A scoping review of randomised controlled trials. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2025.02.027 PubMed
  3. [3] Kacper Żełabowski et al.. Molecules. 2025. The Efficacy of Melatonergic Receptor Agonists Used in Clinical Practice in Insomnia Treatment: Melatonin, Tasimelteon, Ramelteon, Agomelatine, and Selected Herbs. doi:10.3390/molecules30183814 PubMed
  4. [4] Kanchan Upreti et al.. Children (Basel). 2025. Effectiveness of Homoeopathic Treatments for Sleep Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review According to the Principles of Evidence-Based … doi:10.3390/children13010045 PubMed
  5. [5] Mahboobeh Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar et al.. Phytother Res. 2024. Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 PubMed
  6. [6] Francesco Di Pierro et al.. Nutrients. 2024. Effects of Melissa officinalis Phytosome on Sleep Quality: Results of a Prospective, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Cross-Over Study. doi:10.3390/nu16234199 PubMed
  7. [7] Aasiya Bano et al.. Front Pharmacol. 2023. The possible "calming effect" of subchronic supplementation of a standardised phospholipid carrier-based Melissa officinalis L. extract in healthy adults with … doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1250560 PubMed
  8. [8] Roberto Castro-Muñoz et al.. Foods. 2023. A Perspective on Missing Aspects in Ongoing Purification Research towards Melissa officinalis. doi:10.3390/foods12091916 PubMed
  9. [9] Maša Kenda et al.. Molecules. 2022. Medicinal Plants Used for Anxiety, Depression, or Stress Treatment: An Update. doi:10.3390/molecules27186021 PubMed
  10. [10] Oliviero Bruni et al.. Nutrients. 2021. Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep. doi:10.3390/nu13020530 PubMed
  11. [11] Ruhi Ali et al.. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen. 2021. Nutraceuticals for Sleep Disorders. doi:10.2174/1386207324666210121111446 PubMed
  12. [12] Diana Lelli et al.. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021. Use of Plant-Derived Natural Products in Sleep Disturbances. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-64872-5_15 PubMed
  13. [13] Dongju Lee et al.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020. The herbal extract ALS-L1023 from Melissa officinalis alleviates visceral obesity and insulin resistance in obese female C57BL/6J mice. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.112646 PubMed
  14. [14] Patrick Lemoine et al.. Complement Ther Med. 2019. A combination of melatonin, vitamin B6 and medicinal plants in the treatment of mild-to-moderate insomnia: A prospective pilot study. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.024 PubMed
  15. [15] Mayyada Wazaify et al.. PLoS One. 2019. Assessing insomnia management in community pharmacy setting in Jordan: A simulated patient approach. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0226076 PubMed
  16. [16] Karen Savage et al.. Phytother Res. 2018. GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. doi:10.1002/ptr.5940 PubMed
  17. [17] Habib Haybar et al.. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2018. The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 PubMed
  18. [18] Maryam Ranjbar et al.. Integr Med Res. 2018. Effects of Herbal combination (Melissa officinalis L. and Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse) on insomnia severity, anxiety and depression in … doi:10.1016/j.imr.2018.08.001 PubMed
  19. [19] Maryam Ranjbar et al.. J Altern Complement Med. 2018. Efficacy of a Combination of Melissa officinalis L. and Nepeta Menthoides Boiss. & Buhse on Insomnia: A Triple-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled … doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0153 PubMed
  20. [20] Sepide Miraj et al.. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017. Melissa officinalis L: A Review Study With an Antioxidant Prospective. doi:10.1177/2156587216663433 PubMed
  21. [21] Rahele Kargozar et al.. Electron Physician. 2017. A review of effective herbal medicines in controlling menopausal symptoms. doi:10.19082/5826 PubMed
  22. [22] Nikola M Stojanović et al.. Saudi Pharm J. 2017. Prevalence of self-medication practice with herbal products among non-psychotic psychiatric patients from southeastern Serbia: A cross-sectional study. doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2017.02.002 PubMed
  23. [23] Fatemeh Alijaniha et al.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015. Heart palpitation relief with Melissa officinalis leaf extract: double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial of efficacy and safety. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.02.007 PubMed
  24. [24] Valiollah Hajhashemi et al.. Res Pharm Sci. 2015. Hypnotic effect of Coriandrum sativum, Ziziphus jujuba, Lavandula angustifolia and Melissa officinalis extracts in mice. PubMed
  25. [25] Jürgen Gromball et al.. Phytomedicine. 2014. Hyperactivity, concentration difficulties and impulsiveness improve during seven weeks' treatment with valerian root and lemon balm extracts in primary school … doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.04.004 PubMed
  26. [26] Julien Cases et al.. Med J Nutrition Metab. 2011. Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep … doi:10.1007/s12349-010-0045-4 PubMed
  27. [27] Benjamin S Weeks. Med Sci Monit. 2009. Formulations of dietary supplements and herbal extracts for relaxation and anxiolytic action: Relarian. PubMed
  28. [28] Monica Hăncianu et al.. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi. 2008. Chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Melissa officinalis L. from Romania. PubMed
  29. [29] Amy Lynn Meolie et al.. J Clin Sleep Med. 2005. Oral nonprescription treatment for insomnia: an evaluation of products with limited evidence. PubMed
  30. [30] Keith I Block et al.. Integr Cancer Ther. 2004. Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 PubMed

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.