Organic Lemon Balm Extract

Organic Lemon Balm Extract is crafted from carefully cultivated, USDA Certified Organic lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a fragrant mint-family herb valued for its lemony character. It is made in small batches to preserve the herb's natural purity and integrity, manufactured in a GMP-certified facility, and is vegan and non-GMO with simple, clean ingredients. It is offered in 7g, 14g and 28g sizes.

At a glance

• USDA Certified Organic Melissa officinalis extract
• Made in small batches in a GMP-certified facility
• Vegan and non-GMO with simple, clean ingredients
• Taken alone or mixed into water, tea or any beverage
• Not standardized to a stated rosmarinic acid percentage
• Offered in 7g, 14g and 28g sizes

The herb. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a bushy perennial in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Its genus name is the Greek word for honeybee, because bees flock to its tiny white flowers. Carmelite nuns distilled it into Carmelite water in the seventeenth century. The leaf carries rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, triterpenes such as ursolic acid, and an essential oil built on citral, citronellal and geraniol.

Active content. The extract concentrates lemon balm's rosmarinic acid, flavonoids and a share of its volatile lemon oils. Rosmarinic acid is the compound most associated with the herb's calming, clear-headed reputation; citral and citronellal carry the bright aroma and much of the flavor. We do not standardize this extract to a stated rosmarinic acid percentage.

Dosage, first time. Take it alone or mix it with water, tea or your beverage of choice. Start with a small measured amount and give it a little time; its character is easy to judge within the hour.

Regular use. Lemon balm is a forgiving daily herb, and most people use a consistent small serving once or twice a day. For the loose dried leaf to brew as tea, see our Lemon Balm Leaf; for a thicker concentrate, our Lemon Balm Resin Extract.

What to expect. Users describe an easygoing, clear-headed calm, a lifted but settled mood and a pleasant lemon brightness without heaviness. It suits afternoons and social evenings, anyone who wants to take the edge off while staying present. It is not a sedative and not a stimulant.

Side effects. Lemon balm is well tolerated. At larger amounts some people notice drowsiness, a mild headache or stomach upset, and reducing the serving resolves it. Stop use if anything persists.

Interactions and cautions.

• Lemon balm may add to the effect of sedative medications and alcohol
• Because it may influence thyroid function, people on thyroid medication should consult a healthcare professional before regular use
• Consult a professional if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medication

Ingredients and storage. Organic Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Extract. Store sealed in a cool, dark place; heat and light fade the lemon aroma.

Common questions

• Does organic lemon balm extract taste like lemon? Yes, it has a bright, lemony, slightly herbal flavor.
• Can lemon balm extract be taken during the day? Yes, users describe it as calming without being sedating, so it fits afternoons as well as evenings.
• What is the difference between lemon balm extract and lemon balm leaf? The extract is a concentrate you measure in small amounts, while the leaf is brewed as a tea.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Lemon balm is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.