Monograph: Lemon Balm

Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable document format (PDF), Microsoft word and PowerPoint (PPT) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.

Date: 2019-07-01

NHPID name

Melissa officinalis ( Germplasm Resources Information Network Taxonomy )

Proper name(s)

Melissa officinalis ( USDA 2008 )

Common name(s)

Source material

Herb top ( EMEA 2007 )

Route Of administration

Oral ( EMEA 2007 )

Dosage form(s)

Those suited to the allowable route(s) of administration. This monograph is not intended to include food-like dosage forms such as bars, chewing gums or beverages.

Use(s) or purpose(s)

Statement(s) to the effect of:

Dose(s)

Adults and adolescents 13 and over:

Dose(s):

0.4 - 13.5 Grams per day, dried herb tops

See Appendix 1 for examples of appropriate dosage preparations and frequencies of use, according to cited references. The purpose of Appendix 1 is to provide guidance to industry.

Duration of use

No statement is required

Risk information

Statement(s) to the effect of:

Caution(s) and Warning(s): Contraindication(s): Consult a healthcare practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/ physician prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.  (EMEA 2007) Known Adverse Reaction(s): Some people may experience drowsiness. Exercise caution if operating heavy machinery, driving a motor vehicle or involved in activities requiring mental alertness.  (EMEA 2007)

Non-medicinal ingredients

Must be chosen from the current Natural health products ingredients database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.

Specifications

References cited

Appendix 1 Examples of appropriate dosage preparations, frequencies of use and directions for use (EMEA 2007)

Dried aerial parts:

1.5-4.5 g, 1-3 times per day

Infusion: 1.5-4.5 g dried aerial parts, 1-3 times per day

Directions for use:

Pour 150 ml of boiling water over dried aerial parts and infuse for 5-15 minutes.

Fluidextract:

2-4 g dried equivalent, 1-3 times per day
(1:1, 45% ethanol, 2-4 ml)

Tincture:

0.4-1.2 g dried equivalent, 1-3 times per day
(1:5, 45% ethanol, 2-6 ml)