Ingredient Library

Lemon Balm

Discover why lemon balm has been enjoyed for centuries and why it remains one of the world's most popular herbs for relaxation and wellbeing.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a fragrant herb belonging to the mint family. Native to Europe and the Mediterranean, it has been traditionally used for over 2,000 years and is best known for its fresh citrus aroma and calming properties.

Today, lemon balm is commonly used in teas and nutritional supplements. It naturally contains a variety of antioxidant plant compounds, including polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, making it a popular ingredient in formulations designed to support relaxation and overall wellbeing.

What is Lemon Balm?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its leaves release a fresh lemon scent when crushed, giving the plant its common name. It has been traditionally consumed as a herbal tea and botanical ingredient for centuries.

Lemon Balm Forms

Lemon balm supplements are commonly available as dried leaf powder, herbal teas and concentrated extracts. High-quality extracts are often standardised to naturally occurring compounds such as rosmarinic acid to provide greater consistency between batches.

Naturally Rich in Plant Compounds

Lemon balm naturally contains polyphenols, flavonoids and essential oils, including rosmarinic acid, citral and citronellal. These naturally occurring compounds contribute to the herb's distinctive aroma and have made lemon balm one of the most widely researched calming botanicals.

Stress Support

Supports the body's natural response to everyday stress.

Brain Function

Supports normal cognitive function, memory and mental performance.

Antioxidant Protection

Helps protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Healthy Inflammatory Response

Supports the body's normal inflammatory response.

What is lemon balm?

Lemon balm is a fragrant herb (Melissa officinalis) belonging to the mint family. It has been traditionally consumed for centuries as a herbal tea and botanical ingredient and is widely recognised for its calming properties.

Is lemon balm the same as lemongrass?

No. Lemon balm and lemongrass are completely different plants. Lemon balm belongs to the mint family, while lemongrass is a tropical grass. They share a citrus-like aroma but differ in appearance, flavour and botanical origin.

What is rosmarinic acid?

Rosmarinic acid is one of the principal naturally occurring polyphenols found in lemon balm. It contributes to the herb's antioxidant properties and is often used to standardise high-quality lemon balm extracts.

What nutrients and plant compounds are naturally found in lemon balm?

Lemon balm naturally contains polyphenols, flavonoids, rosmarinic acid and aromatic essential oils such as citral and citronellal, all of which contribute to its nutritional profile.

Why is lemon balm commonly included in relaxation supplements?

Lemon balm has a long history of traditional use as a calming botanical. Combined with its naturally occurring plant compounds, this has made it one of the most popular herbs included in supplements designed to support relaxation and overall wellbeing.