Plant Comparison

Lemon balm vs Selfheal

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.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant ALemon balmMelissa officinalisLamiaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BSelfhealPrunella vulgarisLamiaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Lemon balm and Selfheal: both belong to the Lamiaceae family; they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cold & flu, infection (general), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.

Lemon balmSelfheal
Constituents42
Pharmacological actions610
Indicated uses1012
Safety notes22
Cited sources1937
Indicated uses
Only Lemon balm
BloatingIndigestionInsomnia / sleeplessnessMenstrual crampsMuscle spasm
Shared (5)
Arthritis / joint painCold & fluInfection (general)Inflammation (general)Skin irritation
Only Selfheal
BruisingImmune supportWoundsCancer (anticancer research)Blood sugar / diabetes supportCardiovascular / heart healthCognitive function
Pharmacological actions
Only Lemon balm
AntispasmodicDigestive aidSedative / sleep support
Shared (3)
Anti-inflammatoryAntioxidantAntiviral
Only Selfheal
AntimicrobialImmunomodulator / immune supportVulnerary (wound healing)Anticancer (preclinical)Neuroprotective / cognition supportHepatoprotective (liver support)Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionLemon balmSelfhealVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain5/102/10Stronger for Lemon balm
Cold & flu8/102/10Stronger for Lemon balm
Infection (general)8/102/10Stronger for Lemon balm
Inflammation (general)5/102/10Stronger for Lemon balm
Skin irritation5/102/10Stronger 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

Rosmarinic acid and phenolic acids[4, 6]

The principal phenolic acid of lemon balm, associated with much of its antioxidant and antiviral activity.

Rosmarinic acid
Essential oil (citral, citronellal)[4, 10]

The volatile oil (geranial and neral, together called citral, plus citronellal) gives the characteristic lemon scent and has demonstrated anxiolytic activity.

Essential (volatile) oilCitral (neral / geranial)
Flavonoids[4]

Contribute to the antioxidant activity of the leaf.

Flavonoids
Triterpenic acids (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid)[4]

Minor constituents studied for anti-inflammatory activity.

Triterpenoids and phenolic acids[1, 3]

Pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic, oleanolic and betulinic acids), the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid, coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin) and the flavonoid luteolin are the main bioactives behind self-heal's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.

Rosmarinic acidPhenolic acidsCoumarinsFlavonoidsLuteolin
Sulphated and polyphenol-conjugated polysaccharides[4, 29, 30, 31]

Water-extracted polysaccharides — including a partially sulphated arabinogalactomannan (PSP-2B) and polyphenolic-protein-polysaccharide conjugates (PVG/PVE30) — are the principal antiviral and immunomodulatory constituents, blocking herpes simplex virus attachment and modulating innate immune signalling.

PolysaccharidesPhenolic compounds

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[4, 6, 12, 13, 14]
Antioxidant[4, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14]
Antispasmodic[6, 12, 13, 14]

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Antiviral[4, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14]
Digestive aid[6, 12, 13, 14]
Sedative / sleep support[1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14]
Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 15, 18, 20, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]
Antimicrobial[1, 3, 32, 33, 34]
Antioxidant[1, 2, 5, 9, 12, 17, 32, 33, 34]
Antiviral[2, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]
Immunomodulator / immune support[4, 5, 9, 10, 15, 23, 26, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]
Vulnerary (wound healing)[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]
Anticancer (preclinical)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[11, 25]
Hepatoprotective (liver support)[12, 16, 17]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[19, 20, 24]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[12, 13, 14]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bloating[12, 13, 14]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 5
Label: Bloating
Cold & flu[8, 12, 13, 14]Good · 8/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 8
Label: Cold & flu
Indigestion[12, 13, 14]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 5
Label: Indigestion
Infection (general)[8, 12, 13, 14]Good · 8/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 8
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[12, 13, 14]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Inflammation (general)
Insomnia / sleeplessness[12, 13, 14]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 5
Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness
Menstrual cramps[12, 13, 14]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Menstrual cramps
Muscle spasm[12, 13, 14]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Muscle spasm
Skin irritation[12, 13, 14]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Skin irritation
Arthritis / joint pain[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bruising[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 2
Label: Bruising
Cold & flu[29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cold & flu
Immune support[10, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Immune support
Infection (general)[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[1, 12, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Inflammation (general)
Skin irritation[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Wounds
Cancer (anticancer research)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Blood sugar / diabetes support[19, 20, 24]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cardiovascular / heart health[18, 19]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Cognitive function[25]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cognitive function

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[12, 13, 14]Caution

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.

Safety note[12, 13, 14, 15]Info

Duke (2002) does not include a dedicated entry under 'Lemon Balm' or 'Melissa' in the Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition.

Safety note[32, 33, 34]Caution

Generally very safe and well tolerated. No significant known toxicity or drug interactions. Safe for topical and internal use in normal medicinal doses. Suitable for most adults including children in appropriate doses.

Safety note[32, 33, 34, 37]Info

Duke (2002) rates self-heal as +++ and notes antioxidant (score 2), anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and COX-2 inhibitory activities. The plant contains luteolin, rosmarinic acid, and hyperoside — all with well-documented bioactivities. Hepatoprotective activity has been experimentally demonstrated. Duke notes that self-heal has a broad antimicrobial spectrum and an impressive antioxidant profile, supporting its traditional reputation as a versatile wound-healing herb. No significant safety concerns at normal herbal doses (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 5341501
Wikidata: Q148396
Gbif: 5341297
Wikidata: Q158469

Botanical Description

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]

Height: 30-70 (up to 150) cm
Habit: Erect, bushy perennial herb
Leaves: Opposite, ovate to heart-shaped, toothed, wrinkled, lemon-scented when crushed
Flowers: Small, pale yellow to white, two-lipped, in loose axillary whorls
Stem: Square, branched, hairy
Root: Fibrous, spreading perennial rootstock
Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)
Flowering Period: June-August

Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb (Lamiaceae), 5-30 cm tall, with square, often purplish stems. Leaves are opposite, ovate with slightly toothed margins. Small, two-lipped, violet-purple flowers are densely packed into a compact, club-shaped terminal spike subtended by purplish bracts.[1]

Height: 5-30 cm
Habit: Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb
Leaves: Opposite, ovate, slightly toothed
Flowers: Small, two-lipped, violet-purple, in a compact club-shaped terminal spike
Stem: Square, often purplish
Root: Fibrous, spreading perennial rootstock
Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)
Flowering Period: June-September

Habitat

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]

Native throughout Europe, Asia and North America (circumboreal), extremely common in lawns, meadows, woodland clearings, roadsides and waste ground, tolerating mowing and a wide range of soils.[1]

Harvesting

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]

Parts: Leaf, Flowering tops
Season: Summer, just before or at flowering

Whole flowering aerial parts (flower, leaf and stem) are cut during flowering (summer) and dried.[1]

Parts: Flower, Leaf, Stem
Season: Summer, during flowering

Traditional Uses

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]

Selfheal has an extremely broad folk-medicine reputation across European, North American and Traditional Chinese Medicine traditions - as its name suggests, used as an all-purpose wound herb, gargle for sore throat, and internal remedy for fevers and inflammation. Modern research on its triterpenoid, phenolic and polysaccharide constituents supports wide-ranging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral activity.[1]

Preparations

Infusion (tea)[6]

Dried leaf steeped in hot water, the classic way of taking lemon balm for calming and digestive support.

Standardised extract capsule[1, 2]

Encapsulated dry extract, the form used in clinical trials studying lemon balm for anxiety and mood; follow product-specific dosing.

Topical cream[8]

Concentrated leaf extract cream applied to cold sores (herpes labialis) at the earliest sign of an outbreak.

Tincture[11]

Tincture of the dried leaf, 2-6 ml one to three times daily per the EU herbal monograph. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Infusion (tea)[1]

Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water, taken internally or used as a gargle or wash.

Dosage

Infusion (tea)[11]

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.

Standardised extract[1, 2]

Clinical trials for anxiety and mood have used standardised dry-extract capsules; dosing varies by product concentration, so follow the manufacturer's guidance. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Infusion (tea)[1]

Traditional guidance suggests roughly 2-4 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, up to three times daily, or an equivalent tincture; used topically as a wash or gargle at similar strength. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-1193, REF-1194, REF-1195, REF-1196, REF-1197, REF-1198, REF-1199, REF-1200, REF-1201, REF-1202
REF-0659, REF-2422, REF-2423, REF-2424, REF-2425, REF-2878, REF-2879, REF-2880, REF-2881, REF-2882, REF-2883, REF-2884, REF-2885, REF-2886, REF-2887, REF-2888, REF-2911, REF-2912, REF-2913, REF-2914, REF-2915, REF-2916, REF-2917, REF-2918, REF-2919, REF-2920, REF-2921, REF-2922

Drug Class Interactions

Safety note[16, 17, 18]Caution
Drug Class: sedatives-cns-depressants
Mechanism: Lemon balm has calming, sedative effects (a randomised controlled trial found it reduces anxiety, stress and sleep disturbance); taken with sedatives, sleeping tablets or other central-nervous-system depressants (including alcohol) it may add to drowsiness and slowed reactions.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Not documented

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]

Partner Id: passiflora-incarnata
Type: synergy
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Not documented

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

References & Sources

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
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    https://doi.org/10.3390/v15061314
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
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    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6618
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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.