Plant Comparison
Hop vs Lemon balm
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Hop and Lemon balm: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bloating, indigestion, …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Hop | Lemon balm | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon balm |
| Bloating | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon balm |
| Indigestion | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon balm |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon balm |
| Insomnia / sleeplessness | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon balm |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon balm |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Alpha- and beta-bitter acids responsible for the characteristic bitterness and much of the sedative, GABA-A-receptor-active and antimicrobial activity.
Xanthohumol has antioxidant activity; 8-prenylnaringenin has notable phytoestrogenic activity, the basis of the mild oestrogenic caution.
Aromatic volatile oil contributing to the characteristic hop aroma.
The principal phenolic acid of lemon balm, associated with much of its antioxidant and antiviral activity.
The volatile oil (geranial and neral, together called citral, plus citronellal) gives the characteristic lemon scent and has demonstrated anxiolytic activity.
Minor constituents studied for anti-inflammatory activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antiviral action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally safe at therapeutic doses for short-term use. Hop preparations may enhance the sedative effects of alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other CNS depressants — avoid combination. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. May have mild oestrogenic effects due to 8-prenylnaringenin — caution in hormone-sensitive conditions. Fresh hops can cause contact dermatitis in pickers.
Duke (2002) rates hops as +++ and provides clinical evidence (score 2) for sedative activity, consistent with Commission E approval for nervousness, unrest, and sleep disturbances. The primary sedative compound is 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, formed from humulone during storage. Duke notes that hop cones have estrogenic activity, explaining occupational menstrual irregularities reported among hop pickers. Dose: 0.5 g dried flower in tea before bed; often combined with valerian. Hops should not be used in depression, as its CNS-depressant effect may worsen depressive symptoms (Duke, 2002).
Generally very safe for adults. Theoretically may interact with thyroid medications and sedatives. Avoid high therapeutic doses during pregnancy. Long-term safety data beyond a few months is limited.
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Botanical Description
Vigorous, twining perennial climbing vine with rough, hairy stems and deeply lobed, opposite leaves resembling grape leaves. The plant is dioecious; female plants bear the characteristic papery, cone-like flower clusters ('hops'), covered in yellow, resinous lupulin glands, that are the medicinal and brewing part.[1]
Perennial herb, 30-70 (up to 150) cm tall, with square, branched, hairy stems typical of the mint family. Leaves are opposite, ovate to heart-shaped with a toothed margin, wrinkled and softly hairy, releasing a strong lemon scent when crushed. Small, pale yellow to white, two-lipped flowers are borne in loose whorls in the leaf axils. The fruit splits into four small nutlets.[6]
Habitat
Grows in hedgerows, woodland edges and damp thickets, climbing over other vegetation; native to Europe, Western Asia and North America, and widely cultivated for brewing.
Native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean and western Asia, widely cultivated and naturalised in gardens, hedgebanks and waste ground across temperate regions, favouring sunny to lightly shaded, well-drained soils.[6]
Harvesting
The female flower cones are picked in late summer once mature (when the lupulin glands are fully developed and sticky), then dried quickly to preserve the volatile oils and bitter resins.[1]
Leaves and flowering tops are cut just before or at the start of flowering (summer), when the volatile-oil content is highest, and dried quickly at low temperature away from direct light, since the aromatic oil is heat- and light-sensitive.[6]
Traditional Uses
Hop cones have a long European tradition as a calming, sedative herb for nervous tension, restlessness and insomnia, and as a bitter digestive tonic; the sedative reputation, historically noted among hop-pickers who became drowsy from handling the cones, is now linked to GABA-A receptor-active bitter resins.[1]
Lemon balm has a long European tradition as a calming, 'cheering' herb for nervous tension, poor sleep and mild anxiety, and as a carminative for indigestion, bloating and cramping; topically it has traditionally been applied to cold sores. Modern clinical trials support anxiolytic and mood-related benefits and antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus, consistent with these traditional uses.[4, 6, 9]
Preparations
Dried flower cones infused in hot water as a herbal tea, 500-1000 mg in 150-200 ml, taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime per the EU herbal monograph. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Tincture (1:5) of the dried cones, 1-2 ml up to three times daily per the EU herbal monograph. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Concentrated extract standardised to xanthohumol/humulone content, studied for sleep-enhancing activity via GABA-A receptor modulation.
Dried leaf steeped in hot water, the classic way of taking lemon balm for calming and digestive support.
Encapsulated dry extract, the form used in clinical trials studying lemon balm for anxiety and mood; follow product-specific dosing.
Concentrated leaf extract cream applied to cold sores (herpes labialis) at the earliest sign of an outbreak.
Tincture of the dried leaf, 2-6 ml one to three times daily per the EU herbal monograph. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph distinguishes two uses, in adolescents, adults and elderly. To aid sleep - 500-1000 mg of the comminuted flower in 150-200 mL of boiling water as an infusion, 30-60 minutes before bedtime. In mental stress - 500 mg in 150-200 mL as an infusion, up to 4 times daily. A 1:5 tincture at 1-2 mL up to 3 times daily is also listed. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1.5-4.5 g of the comminuted leaf in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, 1-3 times daily, in adolescents over 12, adults and elderly; a liquid extract at 2-4 mL and a tincture at 2-6 mL, both 1-3 times daily, are also listed. If symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks a healthcare practitioner should be consulted. Not recommended under 12 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Pairings
Lemon balm and passionflower are both gentle, GABA-acting calming herbs often blended together in anti-anxiety and sleep formulas; combined use may deepen relaxation but also add to drowsiness.[17, 19]
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Lee, H., Chung, S.H., Kwon, D.J., Nam, M.J. et al (2024) 'Sleep-enhancing effect of Hongcheon-hop (Humulus lupulus L.) extract containing xanthohumol and humulone through GABA-A receptor', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 338(Pt 2), pp. 119019. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2024.119019 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.119019 - Kenda, M., Glavač, N.K., Nagy, M. and Sollner Dolenc, M (2021) 'Herbal Products Used in Menopause and for Gynecological Disorders', Molecules, 26(24), pp. 7421. doi:10.3390/molecules26247421 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247421 - Dietz, B.M., Hajirahimkhan, A., Dunlap, T.L. and Bolton, J.L (2016) 'Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health', Pharmacological Reviews, 68(4), pp. 1026-1073. doi:10.1124/pr.115.010843 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.010843 - Sun, X.L., Xia, T.S., Jiang, Y.P., Wang, N.N., Xu, L.C. and Han, T (2022) 'Humulus lupulus L. extract and its active constituent xanthohumol attenuate oxidative stress and nerve injury induced by iron overload via activating AKT/GSK3beta and Nrf2/NQO1 pathways', Journal of Natural Medicines, 76(4), pp. 801-814. doi:10.1007/s11418-022-01642-1 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-022-01642-1 - Karbalaei, N., Sadeghi, N., Nekoeian, A. and Malekzadeh, A (2019) 'Impact of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Humulus Lupulus L. on Sperm Quality, Reproductive Organs and Hormones in Male Rats', Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 25(9), pp. 1-8. doi:10.1007/s11655-019-3025-7 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-019-3025-7 - Xia, T.S., Lin, L.Y., Zhang, Q.Y., Jiang, Y.P., Li, C.H. and Liu, X.Y (2019) 'Humulus lupulus L. Extract Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis in Mice and Regulates Activities of Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts', Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 27(1), pp. 31-38. doi:10.1007/s11655-019-2700-z Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-019-2700-z - Hurth, Z., Faber, M.L., Gendrisch, F., Holzer, M., Haarhaus, B. and Cawelius, A (2022) 'The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Humulus lupulus Extract In Vivo Depends on the Galenic System of the Topical Formulation', Pharmaceuticals, 15(3), pp. 350. doi:10.3390/ph15030350 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15030350 - Caban, M., Chojnacka, K., Owczarek, K., Laskowska, J., Fichna, J. and Podsedek, A (2020) 'Spent hops (Humulus Lupulus L.) extract as modulator of the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages', Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 71(1). doi:10.26402/jpp.2020.1.05 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.26402/jpp.2020.1.05 - Wang, S., Dunlap, T.L., Howell, C.E., Mbachu, O.C., Rue, E.A. and Phansalkar, R (2016) 'Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Extract and 6-Prenylnaringenin Induce P450 1A1 Catalyzed Estrogen 2-Hydroxylation', Chemical Research in Toxicology, 29(7), pp. 1142-1150. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00112 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00112 - Kyrou, I., Christou, A., Panagiotakos, D., Stefanaki, C., Skenderi, K. and Katsana, K (2017) 'Effects of a hops (Humulus lupulus L.) dry extract supplement on self-reported depression, anxiety and stress levels in apparently healthy young adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot study', Hormones, 16(2), pp. 171-180. doi:10.14310/horm.2002.1738 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.14310/horm.2002.1738 - Hege, M., Jung, F., Sellmann, C., Jin, C., Ziegenhardt, D. and Hellerbrand, C (2017) 'An iso-alpha-acid-rich extract from hops (Humulus lupulus) attenuates acute alcohol-induced liver steatosis in mice', Nutrition, 41, pp. 70-77. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2017.07.010 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2017.07.010 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2014) 'Community herbal monograph on Humulus lupulus L., flos, Revision 1'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-humulus-lupulus-l-flos-revision-1_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-humulus-lupulus-l-flos-revision-1_en.pdf - Becker, A., Felgentreff, F., Schröder, H., Meier, B. and Brattstrom, A (2014) 'The anxiolytic effects of a Valerian extract is based on valerenic acid', pp. 267. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20anxiolytic%20effects%20of%20a%20Valerian%20extract%20is%20based%20on%20valerenic%20acid - Koetter, U. and Blumenthal, M (2010) 'Valerian and hops for insomnia: overview of clinical data', pp. 44--50. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Valerian%20and%20hops%20for%20insomnia%3A%20overview%20of%20clinical%20data - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Koetter, U., Schrader, E., Kaeufeler, R. and Brattstroem, A (2007) 'A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination (Ze 91019) in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder', Phytotherapy Research, 21(9), pp. 847-851. doi:10.1002/ptr.2167 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2167 - Ngan, A. and Conduit, R (2011) 'A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality', Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), pp. 1153-1159. doi:10.1002/ptr.3400 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3400 - Totally Wild UK 'Hops (Humulus lupulus) Identification Guide'. Available at: https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2022/12/08/hops-humulus-lupulus-identification-guide/ Traditional / reference
https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2022/12/08/hops-humulus-lupulus-identification-guide/
- Mathews, I.M., Eastwood, J., Lamport, D.J., Cozannet, R.L. and others (2024) 'Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in Psychological Well-Being: A Review', Nutrients, 16(20), pp. 3545. doi:10.3390/nu16203545 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203545 - Ghazizadeh, J., Sadigh-Eteghad, S., Marx, W., Fakhari, A. and others (2021) 'The effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on depression and anxiety in clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Phytotherapy Research, 35(12), pp. 6690-6705. doi:10.1002/ptr.7252 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7252 - Shahsavari, K., Shams Ardekani, M.R., Khanavi, M., Jamialahmadi, T. and others (2024) 'Effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) consumption on serum lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1), pp. 146. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04442-0 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04442-0 - Petrisor, G., Motelica, L., Craciun, L.N., Oprea, O.C. and others (2022) 'Melissa officinalis: Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Derived Release Systems-A Review', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(7), pp. 3591. doi:10.3390/ijms23073591 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073591 - Heshmati, J., Morvaridzadeh, M., Sepidarkish, M., Fazelian, S. and others (2020) 'Effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) on cardio-metabolic outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Phytotherapy Research, 34(12), pp. 3113-3123. doi:10.1002/ptr.6744 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6744 - Shakeri, A., Sahebkar, A. and Javadi, B (2016) 'Melissa officinalis L. - A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 188, pp. 204-228. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.010 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.010 - Zam, W., Quispe, C., Sharifi-Rad, J., Lopez, M.D. and others (2022) 'An Updated Review on The Properties of Melissa officinalis L.: Not Exclusively Anti-anxiety', Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar Edition), 14(2), pp. 16. doi:10.31083/j.fbs1402016 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.31083/j.fbs1402016 - Chang, J.Y., Balch, C., Puccio, J. and Oh, H.S (2023) 'A Narrative Review of Alternative Symptomatic Treatments for Herpes Simplex Virus', Viruses, 15(6), pp. 1314. doi:10.3390/v15061314 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/v15061314 - Ulbricht, C., Brendler, T., Gruenwald, J., Kligler, B. and others (2005) 'Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration', Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 5(4), pp. 71-114. doi:10.1080/j157v05n04_08 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/j157v05n04_08 - Stojanovic, N.M., Mladenovic, M.Z., Maslovaric, A., Stojiljkovic, N.I. and others (2021) 'Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) essential oil and citronellal modulate anxiety-related symptoms - In vitro and in vivo studies', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 284, pp. 114788. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114788 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114788 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2013) 'Community herbal monograph on Melissa officinalis L., folium'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-melissa-officinalis-l-folium_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-melissa-officinalis-l-folium_en.pdf - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Kennedy, D.O. et al (2002) 'Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis', 27(2), pp. 256--261. doi:10.1016/s0091-3057(02)00777-3 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0091-3057(02)00777-3 - Petersen, M. and Simmonds, M.S.J (2003) 'Rosmarinic acid', 62(2), pp. 121--125. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Rosmarinic%20acid - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Haybar, H., Javid, A.Z., Haghighizadeh, M.H., Valizadeh, E., Mohaghegh, S.M. and Mohammadzadeh, A (2018) 'The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina', Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 26, pp. 47-52. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 - Keck, M.E., Nicolussi, S., Spura, K., Blohm, C., Zahner, C. and Drewe, J (2020) 'Effect of the fixed combination of valerian, lemon balm, passionflower, and butterbur extracts (Ze 185) on the prescription pattern of benzodiazepines in hospitalized psychiatric patients', Phytotherapy Research, 34(6), pp. 1436-1445. doi:10.1002/ptr.6618 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6618
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.