Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. The herb is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, but it’s grown around the world.
Lemon balm is said to soothe symptoms of stress, help you to relax, and boost your mood. Lemon balm can be used to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and excitability. It also helps with improving cognitive function.
Lemon balm contains chemicals that seem to have a sedative, calming effect. Lemon balm contains chemicals that may have antiviral, antioxidant, and calmative properties. The leaves of the plant contain terpenes—which play some role in its perceived calming effect—and tannins, which may be responsible for its antiviral properties.
