Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a cheerful, lemon-scented herb that comes from the Lamiaceae family, a relative of both mint and rosemary. The herb is native to Europe, North America, and West Asia, though today, it is grown around the world. 

Why You Might Find it Helpful

Lemon balm has been known to be a great herb to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and ease abdominal pain and discomfort. In a pilot trial study, lemon balm extract was tested on volunteers to determine if their mood and sleep patterns were improved. The study concluded that for mild-to-moderate forms of anxiety, lemon balm helped improve subjects’ symptoms.

Lemon balm contains both beta-caryophyllene and geraniol, which has anti-spasm and anti-gas properties for the intestines. Motherlove uses lemon balm in the Morning Sickness Blend to help calm nausea symptoms that come with pregnancy, as well as abdominal discomfort.

What It Looks Like

Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that can reach anywhere from 1-to-3 feet tall. A hardy plant, lemon balm can withstand seasonal changes and can be grown in any type of soil. For harvesting, the entire plant can be used, but the leaves have the highest concentration of nutritious oil.

Things to Know

Please consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements while you are pregnant.